U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., recently announced that Arroyo Vista Charter School was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School, which was heartily congratulated in the community. Arroyo Vista is among only 279 public and 50 private schools to receive this honor—and among only four in San Diego County.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers,” King said in a video message to honorees, “All of you–students, teachers and administrators–deserve our highest praise. You are shining examples for your communities, your state, and the nation.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools are on education’s cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices from professional learning communities and project-based learning to social and emotional learning and positive behavior systems. Schools are nominated by their state department of education and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Schools are nominated as “Exemplary High Performing,” among the top schools in a state, or as “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” schools, those making the fastest progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Arroyo Vista earned the Exemplary High Performing school honor.
“I think the award is a reflection of who we are as a community,” said Principal Pat Roth. “Our motto is, Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). We believe in that 100%. We believe in teaching the whole child. We believe firmly in the partnership with parents. We wouldn’t have the success we do without our parent community. We’re delighted, excited about this honor.”
Arroyo Vista is continually at or near the top of the District in student academic achievement. Roth praised her teachers for the school’s success. “They believe every child can succeed, and they are willing to go the extra mile to make that happen,” Roth said. “The collaborate in grade level teams, in vertical teams. Collaboration is key, so that there are no isolated islands of instruction. …The emphasis is on student learning.”
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/
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