John Green Elementary School Named California Distinguished School

DUBLIN, CA — Dublin’s John Green Elementary School joined 356 California elementary schools recognized by the state for their "exceptional" student support and success, California Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Friday.

This is the third time that Green Elementary School has received the honor. Dublin schools are no stranger to the award: Dublin High School and Wells Middle School have been recognized five times, and Frederiksen Elementary School has been recognized twice. Fallon Middle School and Amador, Kolb, James Dougherty and Murray elementary schools have also been recognized.

“This award is especially significant given the timeframe it represents,” said Chris D. Funk, Superintendent of the Dublin Unified School District. “To achieve this recognition for work done as we moved out of the pandemic is something the Green students, staff, and community should be very proud of. Their work is a reflection of the incredible commitment to educational success seen across Dublin.”

The annual list recognizes schools that show exceptional "innovation, talent and success in supporting students," according to the department. The award is given to schools that either close an achievement gap for disadvantaged student groups or show outstanding student achievement, according to the state department.

Two of the state's 356 distinguished elementary schools will be eligible for the National Association of Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools Awardee.

"The exceptional elementary schools recognized this year are illustrative of the hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by educators and schools across the state after communities struggled for multiple years with urgent effects to physical and mental health and unprecedented challenges to delivering education," the California Department of Education said in a news release.

To determine the award-winners, the department analyzes data including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data.

“[These schools'] innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive — even in the toughest times,” Thurmond said in a statement.

“California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”

A number of schools in Danville, San Ramon, Mt. Diablo Unified, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Walnut Creek were recognized. No Pleasanton or Livermore schools were recognized this year. See here for the full list.