AS GOLD RIBBON SCHOOLS

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – APRIL 14, 2016 – Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell announced today that seven elementary schools were officially named by the California Department of Education as Gold Ribbon Schools, the state’s highest designation for outstanding educational programs and practices. The seven exemplary elementary schools from Rowland USD are: Hollingworth Elementary, Jellick Elementary, Shelyn Elementary, Stanley G. Oswalt Academy, Telesis Academy of Science & Math, Villacorta Elementary, and Ybarra Academy of the Arts and Technology.

“The Board of Education and I are extremely proud of our schools selected for the Gold Ribbon recognition, as these schools exemplify the innovative and student centered learning environments that are throughout the Rowland Unified School District,” said Mitchell. “Recognitions such as the Gold Ribbon are made possible through the hard work and dedication of all of our educators and staff, working in partnership with our parents and community. The Board of Education and I are elated to congratulate them for this outstanding achievement and recognition.”

“The entire Hollingworth community, who are truly invested in our AVID Elementary college systems, are thrilled to be given this award," said Hollingworth Principal Dr. Michael Hoon. "This Gold Ribbon Award validates the work that takes place at our school on a daily basis as we prepare our students for college!” 

The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and accountability systems. Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply this year and 772 were selected.

            Schools applied for the award based on a model program their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies. Please visit the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program on the California Department of Education’s Web site.

Hollingworth Elementary Signature Practice: AVID® Elementary

Hollingworth is the first and only AVID® Elementary school in Rowland USD (AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is usually offered as an elective in middle and high schools). Hollingworth is part of a national network of schools dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success. Teachers incorporate WICOR in their classrooms where students Write, Inquire, Collaborate, Organize, and Read during each lesson and the campus has a strong college-bound culture with each classroom adopting a specific college.     Hollingworth Elementary Principal: Dr. Michael Hoon (909) 598-3661 www.Hollingworthschool.org