The California Department of Education named Rio Vista Elementary and West Creek Academy in the Saugus Union School District as 2020 California Distinguished schools on Wednesday.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday that 323 elementary schools throughout the state were being honored by the 2020 California Distinguished Schools Award Program.

“While we are all striving for excellence in Saugus Union, we are very proud of Rio Vista and West Creek Academy for being recognized as 2020 distinguished schools,” said Colleen Hawkins, Saugus Union superintendent. “Their hard work and dedication to their students paid off.”

Sponsored by the California Department of Education and presented by California Casualty, the program recognizes outstanding education programs and practices. Schools are awarded for closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance, according to CDE officials.

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Both Rio Vista Elementary and West Creek Academy have been chosen as 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,” according to Wednesday’s announcement.

“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,” Thurmond said. “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.”

All of the distinguished schools and districts are set to be honored on Feb. 10, 2020 during a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

For more information on the Distinguished School Program and California Exemplary Districts, click here.

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