Two Arcadia Unified Schools Earn California Distinguished School Honors
Holly Avenue Elementary School and Longley Way Elementary School in Arcadia have been named California Distinguished Schools. Honoring “some of California’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools,” the California Department of Education recently released its list of schools that received the state’s top recognition.
With nearly 6,000 public elementary schools in California, less than five percent were named Distinguished Schools for 2018.
“These schools implement outstanding educational programs and practices that help California students realize their potential, and put them on the path to achieve their dreams,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Along with all the other Arcadia Unified School District elementary and middle schools, Holly Avenue Elementary and Longley Way Elementary have both been bestowed this coveted recognition in the past.
“It’s very rewarding to be recognized as two of the best schools in Southern California and the entire state,” said Arcadia Unified School District Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “I’m so proud of all of our principals, teachers, students, staff, and parents who really work together in so many innovative ways to help our children thrive in school.”
Holly Avenue Principal Teresa Oakland congratulated by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
Principals Travis Long and Teresa Oakland were joined by two of their teachers and by Dr. Vanasadall and Dr. Tom Bruce who were honored at the Disneyland Hotel by the State Superintendent and the California Department of Education last week.
The 2018 California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes California elementary schools that have made exceptional gains in implementing academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Schools that applied were eligible based on their performance and progress on the state indicators as described on the California School Dashboard.
Longley Way teacher Sandy Burch talking with State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson before group photo