Compton Unified School District’s (CUSD) Anderson and King elementary schools are 2016 California Gold Ribbon Award winners.
California Department of Education (CDE) State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson released the names of the awardees, Wednesday, April 13, including the two Compton Unified schools, which are among over 770 schools honored statewide.
The award recognizes schools for educational programs that effectively support learning through the state’s new Common Core Standards, as well as a positive learning environment.
“The innovative instruction taking place both schools is reflective of our work district-wide to ensure all of our students are on the path towards college and careers,” said CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley.
Board President Satra Zurita said the awards further prove Compton Unified schools are raising student achievement for all students.
“Schools like Anderson and King are true examples of the Compton turnaround. We knew if we invested in finding the right principals and supporting our teachers and staff, we could see these kinds of results.”
Anderson Elementary won on the strength of its dedication to blended learning through the use of technology in all subjects including STEM and the arts, as well as its Fitness Fridays initiative to promote healthy lifestyles.
Principal Martha Funes said the Anderson Elementary community is honored to receive recognition from the state for its dedication to seeing students succeed.
“We are proud of the hard work of our entire staff, the students, and our parents. Our teachers are extremely committed to our students. We all had a vision for our school and our hard work has paid off,” she said.
King Elementary’s slew of music and art programs in collaboration with Turnaround Arts permeates through many subjects including math and English Language Arts, which is why they’re winners of the 2016 California Gold Ribbon Award.
Principal Stephanie Richardson said her students are excited to come to school every day, and she credits the combined efforts of teachers and parents for this award.
“At King Elementary, we emphasize parent engagement because we know how critical a role parents play in the academic success of their children. This award belongs to our parents too,” she said.
Anderson and King Elementary will accept their awards at the upcoming California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony in May.
For more information about the California Department of Education’s 2016 Gold Ribbon Awards, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/gr/.
