MH middle and high schools earn ‘State Gold Ribbon Award’
Published in the May 13-26, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Steve Betando
Four of Morgan Hill’s secondary schools — Britton and Martin Murphy middle schools and Sobrato and Live Oak high schools — received a prestigious state-wide recognition May 4 as “California State Gold Ribbon Award” winners. Throughout Santa Clara County, a total of 20 schools were selected for the honor including three in Gilroy
“The recognition is a validation that the school programs are a true model for implementing our Common Core standards, our instructional practices, and our school climate in their specific communities,” said Morgan Hill Unified School District Superintendent Steve Betando. “Part of the evaluation is involvement of the community, so community members come in and it shows that everyone is working together in the right direction to benefit our kids and their futures both with high expectations and also engagement in their education. It’s creating a model for success for our students.”
Administrators from each of the schools received a congratulatory letter from State Superintendent Tom Torlakson.
Principals Debbie Padilla of Sobrato, Glenn Webb of Britton, Heather Griffin of Martin Murphy, and Lloyd Webb of Live Oak learned May 4 by a letter from Tomlakson that each of their schools is being recognized as one of 373 California Gold Ribbon Schools for 2015.
“This award is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and vision of your school’s educational community,” Torlakson wrote in his announcement letter to the principals.
A special ceremony will be held May 29 where all award-winning schools will be invited.
The Gold Ribbon Awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education, Betando said.
These include, the California Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.
“The program replaces the California Distinguished Schools Program,” he said in a press release. “The new award focus features model programs that include standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that schools have adopted and can be replicated by other local education agencies.”
