FCUSD leads the region in award-winning schools
The California Department of Education has selected schools to be named California Distinguished Schools for 2023. Over 350 elementary schools from across the state were named 2023 California Distinguished Schools. Five of the seven schools in Sacramento County are in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
Empire Oaks Elementary, Mangini Ranch Elementary, Riverview STEM Academy, Russell Ranch Elementary, and Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary, 2023 California Distinguished schools!
A full list of all California schools awarded may be found on this link.
The California Distinguished Schools (DS) Program recognizes schools that demonstrate exemplary achievements - closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance - and recognizes elementary and middle and high schools in alternate years. Schools recognized as a California DS Awardee hold the DS Title for two years.
To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) identifies eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard). Indicators include test scores, attendance, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data.
Read what the principals have to say about receiving this honor!
Lari Powell, Principal: Riverview STEM Academy
“This is a reflection of the many years of hard work, commitment, and dedication that Riverview has built over the years. This is the celebration of a very powerful partnership between our staff, students, and families, all working together to ensure we provide the absolute best experience possible for our students. There is not a single adult at Riverview who does not go above and beyond for our students, every day, in every way imaginable! We are extremely proud of our school and celebrate the excellence displayed for this award."
Pat Graham, Principal: Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary
“Great Job, Team Gallardo! This could not have been done without the support of our staff, students, and school community. We appreciate the recognition and are honored to be included in this class of professionals.”
Sara Parenzin, Principal: Empire Oaks Elementary School
“It is wonderful to be recognized for our hard work and achievements. This is a testament to the entire Empire Oaks team working together and partnering with families as a school community to support our students. I am incredibly proud of our staff, students, and families and I am grateful to be part of this amazing community of learners that inspires me on a daily basis."
Joanie Cunningham, Principal: Russell Ranch Elementary School
“On behalf of the staff and students at Russell Ranch, we are honored to be recognized for the hard work and dedication that takes place each day at school. We are grateful to share our knowledge and instructional practices that lead to an incredible school environment and an exciting place to learn. We strive to keep expanding our learning targets and supporting all levels of learning, focusing on what each individual student needs to be successful."
Canen Peterson, Principal: Mangini Ranch Elementary School
“We truly embrace the foundation of being a professional learning community. We put our students and teachers at the heart of the decision-making process. We invest in positive intervention support and use educational data to drive our process. Our True North are students, families, and the community in which they live. We believe that every person is essential at Mangini Ranch and we are proud to be the cornerstone on the South of Highway 50.”
All 2023 California Distinguished Schools will be honored in an awards ceremony on February 16, 2023.