Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dorma Baker joined Aptos High School students and staff on Friday, May 24, 2013 to celebrate the high school’s first year of recognition as a California Distinguished School.
The California Distinguished School recognition, presented by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was awarded to Aptos High School after it met rigorous accountability measure and criteria set by the California Department of Education (CDE).
“I am extremely proud of the remarkable work that Aptos High School administrators and teachers are doing to engage students and narrow the academic achievement gap,” said Baker. “Despite the fiscal challenges we’ve seen in the past six years, it is inspiring to see the investment of our staff to help students succeed and thrive. I know this is the first of many years Aptos High School will be recognized for its dedication to academic growth.”
Aptos High School is the first comprehensive high school in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District honored with this important recognition, because of its significant growth in student achievement. The school is one of only 218 middle and high schools in the state receive this recognition.
“Today is an opportunity to celebrate collaboration, between our students, parents, teachers, staff and community in supporting Aptos High School as we build a stronger future for our children,” said Aptos High School Principal Casey O’Brien.
Despite five years of unprecedented state budget cuts, PVUSD schools have made significant academic gains over the past five years due to a concerted effort by teachers, students, district staff and community support. PVUSD Superintendent, Dorma Baker presented the award to Aptos High School Principal, Casey O’Brien during the celebration.
During his announcement, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson said, “These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college. Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools. Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live.”
Local Schools named as Distinguished Schools were Aptos High School, Scotts Valley High School, San Lorenzo Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley Middle School. Each school was presented with a 2013 Distinguished School plaque and flag.
The 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program directly focuses on the right of California’s students to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.
To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School.
Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. For more information, please go to the California Distinguished Schools Program Web site.
Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work. An updated searchable database of these Signature Practices will be available later this spring from the CDE. To view the current Signature Practices Web site, visit the Distinguished Schools Signature Practices page.
•••
For more information about the California Distinguished Schools Program, visit www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/