Altamont Creek, Emma C. Smith, Joe Michell K-8, Marylin Avenue and Rancho Las Positas Awarded

Gold RibbonApril 15, Livermore, California – The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools while the California Distinguished Schools Program is on hiatus as California transitions to new assessment and accountability systems.

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is pleased to announce that five elementary schools have earned Gold Ribbon status. Schools that are selected demonstrate exemplary achievements in implementing State standards in priority areas. Criteria for scoring applications for the Gold Ribbon School Award includes a site validation visit from the State Department of Education, however Altamont Creek, Marylin Avenue, and Emma C. Smith Elementary schools submitted applications that exceeded the rubric for approval and did not require a site visit.

Each school’s application highlights a specific program that is representative of the excellence throughout the school. Marylin Avenue Elementary School highlighted the Data Team process for using formative assessments to drive instructional practice. Dedicated teaching staff devoted many hours to honing the data team process. Altamont Creek Elementary School remains a pioneer in Project Lead the Way Launch curriculum and their application focused on its innovative and engaging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program.

“These designations as California Gold Ribbon Schools, are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, as well as the support and partnership of our District’s families and community,” says Superintendent Kelly Bowers.

Emma C. Smith Elementary School’s application highlighted their Counseling Enriched Program, which provides unique and specialized counseling in two Special Education classrooms serving students from four local districts. Rancho Las Positas Elementary School’s application showcased their Reading Intervention Program which is providing highly effective supports for students to achieve in English Language Arts. Joe Michell, which is authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School, highlighted its International Baccalaureate Programme of Inquiry. Teachers have gone through extensive training to become authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate’s specialized curriculum.

Each school will be honored by the State at an upcoming awards ceremony in May.

ABOUT LIVERMORE VALLEY JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) serves more than 12,600 students in transitional kindergarten through the 12th grade at eight elementary schools, two  K-8 schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, and two alternative schools. The LVJUSD features International Baccalaureate Programmes K-12. The mission of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is that each student will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing world. For more information about the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District please visit www.livermoreschools.com.