3 Petaluma-Area Schools Recognized As CA Distinguished Schools

PETALUMA, CA — Liberty Elementary, Corona Creek Elementary and Meadow Elementary were among 356 California elementary schools recognized by the state for "exceptional" student support and success, California Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Friday.

Corona Creek and Meadow, which are in the Waugh Elementary School District, and Liberty Elementary of the Liberty School District, will be recognized at an award ceremony on Feb. 16.

The annual list recognizes schools that show exceptional "innovation, talent and success in supporting students," according to the department. The award is given to schools that either close an achievement gap for disadvantaged student groups or show outstanding student achievement, according to the state department.

Two of the state's 356 distinguished elementary schools will be eligible for the National Association of Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools Awardee.

"The exceptional elementary schools recognized this year are illustrative of the hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by educators and schools across the state after communities struggled for multiple years with urgent effects to physical and mental health and unprecedented challenges to delivering education," the California Department of Education said in a news release.

To determine the award-winners, the department analyzes data including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data.

The award program is celebrating its return this year after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended reporting of state and local student data.

“[These schools'] innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive — even in the toughest times,” Thurmond said in a statement. “California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”

Other Sonoma County schools that were recognized included Alexander Valley Elementary and West Side Elementary, both of which are in the Healdsburg area.