Three Hart District Junior High Schools Named California Distinguished Schools

Three junior high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District have been named 2021 California Distinguished Schools.

Placerita, Rancho Pico and Rio Norte junior high schools were selected for this bi-annual event by California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, according to Hart District officials.

“Congratulations to the students, staff and families of Placerita, Rancho Pico and Rio Norte,” said Hart District Superintendent Mike Kuhlman. “Even in the midst of this year’s unprecedented challenges, you have found a way to shine. These are well deserved recognitions.”

The California Department of Education (CDE) identifies and awards eligible schools based on performance and progress on state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard, the state’s accountability and continuous improvement system.

Indicators include test scores, suspension rates and conditions and climate, according to officials.

“These schools are great examples of California’s commitment to provide outstanding public education for all students, and their data-driven efforts have helped ensure that their students leave with the tools and skills they need to be successful after graduation,” Thurmond said. “Our thanks go to the entire communities surrounding these schools, including the teachers, administrators and classified employees as well as the students and their families who, through teamwork, all accomplished this impressive achievement together.”
Sponsored by the CDE and presented by California Casualty, the Distinguished Schools Program recognizes schools for their “excellent” work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance, according to officials.

Elementary, middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years, according to officials.

Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development to positive behavior intervention, according to officials.

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