From the Lafayette School District:
Recognized for Equally Prioritizing Social Emotional Health and Academic Growth of All Students.
(Lafayette, California, January 8, 2020) The Lafayette School District is proud to announce that Burton Valley Elementary School has been named a California Distinguished School for 2020 by the California Department of Education.
Burton Valley Elementary was one of only five elementary schools in Contra Costa County to receive the award, which was given to 323 elementary schools across the state.
The Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools based on performance and progress on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and conditions and climate. Distinguished School awardees represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful school climate efforts ranging from real-time conflict resolution to positive behavior intervention.
“These outstanding schools don’t just educate students; they also provide the young people of California the tools they need to be successful after graduation,” said State Superintendent for Education Tony Thurmond. “Thanks go to all the staff at these schools—teachers, administrators, classified employees—and parents, who are working together to provide high-quality educational experiences for all of their students.”
“I am proud of our students, parents, teachers, and staff who demonstrate that a distinguished school is truly a community effort,” said Burton Valley Principal Meredith Dolley. “We have aimed to create an excellent learning environment where we meet each day with kindness and inclusivity. It is an honor to be recognized for the hard work we have all put in to achieve this together.”
Lafayette School District Superintendent Richard Whitmore agreed. “Congratulations to Burton Valley Elementary, to Meredith, and to the outstanding team of educators and support staff, for this award and for the many contributions they make to our school community. They are a shining example of our hallmarks – strong academics in a student-centered climate, with families and teachers working together every day for our children,” Whitmore said. “All residents of Lafayette should be proud of and feel a part of this honor.”
Burton Valley Elementary, along with the other California Distinguished Schools, will be honored on February 10, 2020, during an awards ceremony at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
