3 Orinda Elementary Schools Named CA Distinguished Schools

ORINDA, CA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently announced the elementaryschools honored as California Distinguished Schools for 2018. Orinda Union School District’s

Del Rey Elementary, Glorietta Elementary, and Wagner Ranch Elementary are three of the seven elementary schools designated as Distinguished Schools in Contra Costa County.

Del Rey, Glorietta, and Wagner Ranch qualified to apply for the honor based on outstanding student academic performance, high participation rates on state testing, and low student suspension rates. Principals of each nominated school collaborated with a school site team to complete an application in which they described a model practice at the school, how the practice was implemented and monitored, and the results of its implementation on students and staff.

A total of 287 elementary schools have been awarded the 2018 Distinguished Schoolsdesignation across the state. The California Distinguished Schools Program alternates every other year between elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools and is returning after a three-year break. In May, the California Department of Education is hosting a California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony to honor schools that are 2018 CaliforniaDistinguished Schools and recipients of other prestigious honors.

On behalf of her fellow members on the Board of Trustees, Orinda USD Board President Carol Brown stated, “We are so very proud of this recognition of Del Rey, Glorietta, and Wagner Ranch Elementary Schools. Our teachers and staff, talented students, and committed parents work in partnership to provide extraordinary learning environments across the District. We are thankful to serve as Trustees in a community that strongly values and supports public education.”

Added Dr. Carolyn Seaton, Superintendent of Schools, “When I joined Orinda USD in 2016, I quickly discovered the commitment to excellence and continuous growth at all Orinda USD schools. Del Rey, Glorietta, and Wagner Ranch teachers are to be commended for their dedication to providing students with a rigorous curriculum that ignites their curiosity for learning while also nurturing their social/emotional growth.”

-Announcement by Orinda Union School District /Image via Shutterstock