Franklin gets statewide designation
By Daily Press Staff
SMMUSD HDQTRS Franklin Elementary School was one of 343 public elementary schools to receive the California Distinguished Schools honor for 2008.
For the current year, 839 elementary schools submitted applications and were identified for eligibility on the basis of their Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress result. All applicants underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by the California Department of Education, with the help of many local educators from across the state, and in partnership with the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association.
“It is such an honor for Franklin Elementary to be recognized by the state superintendent for what we already knew to be true: Franklin is truly an amazing place, made so by the actions and care shown by teachers, staff, parents, and the community for the benefit of our students,” said Principal Tara Brown.
“The administrative leadership team, made up of Principal Tara Brown and Assistant Principal Deanna Sinfield, and the teachers and parents work collaboratively to make phenomenal learning experiences happen for the children,” said SMMUSD According to the state superintendent’s office, the selection criteria for this year “were more stringent than ever. Schools wrote a substantive narrative application and then were subject to an extensive site validation.”
State Superintendent Jack O’Connell called each school principal to personally convey the good news.
“I was honored to be able to join in the excitement as these dedicated educators learned their schools earned this coveted title,” O’Connell said. “From their stories, it became clear that they share a school-wide vision of excellence where every student can succeed and achieve at the very highest levels of performance.”
The California School Recognition Program is now in its 23rd year and identifies and honors the state’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools with the California Distinguished School Award. Although participation is voluntary, the award is highly sought after by schools in all areas of the state. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 17, 2008. Read the original PDF.