ROWLAND UNIFIED ANNOUNCES THREE OF ITS SCHOOLS NAMED AS
2020 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS
Blandford Elementary, Killian Elementary and Ybarra Academy Honored
ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – JANUARY 15, 2020 – Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell announced that three of schools in the District were named by the California Department of Education as 2020 California Distinguished Schools – Blandford Elementary, Killian Elementary and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology. This is the state’s highest designation for excellence in education named for their outstanding educational programs that meet student needs, resulting in student achievement and success. These schools will be honored at the California School Recognition Ceremony on February 10 at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
“The Board of Education and I are thrilled to congratulate our teachers and staff for their incredible hard work and focus that provide exceptional learning experiences for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell.
Blandford Elementary is being recognized as a 2020 California Distinguished Schools awardee for its focus on utilizing Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) in mathematics, a student-centered approach that builds on children’s intuitive ideas for solving math problems or tasks. On-going professional development, teacher collaboration, and instructional coaching has improved school performance and has shifted our math instructional practices to support students’ understanding. “The students, teachers and staff of Blandford School are very excited for this incredible honor,” said Principal Dr. June Sakaue. “We are so proud of all the hard work we’ve accomplished together!” Blandford Elementary is located at 2601 S. Blandford Drive in Rowland Heights. Principal Dr. June Sakue can be reached at (626) 965-3410. www.blandfordschool.org
The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools based on performance and progress on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Blandford Elementary, Killian Elementary and Ybarra Academy are among 323 elementary schools named for this achievement. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and conditions and climate. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. They will be honored on February 10 at the Disneyland Resort.