Three Lamorinda Schools Garner 'National Blue Ribbon Schools' Status
Submitted by Jonathan Lance and Kathy Frenklach
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Sept. 29 congratulated 29 California public and four private schools that are being recognized as 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The California winners of the coveted award are among 285 public (traditional, charter, choice, and magnet) schools and 50 private schools announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
Contra Costa County had four schools honored with the prestigious award, which made the county home of the second most Blue Ribbon Schools, after Los Angeles County.
The schools are:
Campolindo High (Moraga), Acalanes Union High School District
Happy Valley Elementary (Lafayette), Lafayette School District
Del Rey Elementary (Orinda), Orinda Union School District
Neil A. Armstrong Elementary (Danville), San Ramon Valley Unified
"California's newly selected Blue Ribbon Schools are among the best in the nation and reflect our state's commitment to preparing students for college and career," Torlakson said. "We celebrate these models of excellence as they shine in the national spotlight. I congratulate all the hardworking students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators who made this recognition possible."
Superintendent of Orinda schools, Dr. Joe Jaconette said, "Del Rey is the first school in our district to receive this type of national recognition. All schools in the district were previously recognized as a California Distinguished Schools. The Orinda School District is proud of the success achieved by the students and staff at Del Rey. We know the award confirms the work of students, educators, and parents in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content."
The federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools from elementary through high school. The California schools were recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools and were required to be performing in the top 15 percent of schools statewide as measured by state assessments. National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a national awards ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C., where each winner will receive a plaque and flag. Details of the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools can be found at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2015/index.html.
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