Barnett Elementary earns state Distinguished School honor

“A royal congratulations is given to the students, staff, and parent community of Barnett Elementary School for being named today as a California Distinguished School,” an enthusastic Superintendent Robert Graeff said in an email announcement to Ramona Unified District employees Thursday.

In a statewide announcement this morning by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Barnett was included in this year’s list of statewide awardees for demonstrating “the incredible commitment of California’s teachers, administrators, and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools. Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

To be invited to apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria including designated federal and state accountability measures based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Academic Performance Index requirements.

“Barnett joins a current three-year winning streak in our local district, as Ramona High and Mt. Woodson have received the same honor over the previous two years, while Olive Peirce was recognized earlier this year as a national School to Watch,” Graeff said.

Schools selected for recognition will be honored as Distinguished Schools at award ceremonies where SPI Torlakson will present each school with a 2012 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from many of California’s most prominent corporations and statewide educational organizations.

The complete list of schools is on the California Department of Education website, www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/.

“What a treat for the entire school district — and especially for the Barnett school community — as we all head into a much-deserved break for the annual Spring Recess,” Graeff stated in the email. Again, congratulations to Principal Kim Reed and her entire staff.”