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.
Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology is being recognized for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade. Their goal is to develop students intellectually, personally, emotionally and socially. This is carried out through rigorous, inquiry-based instruction at all grade levels. "The entire Ybarra community is overjoyed and honored to be named a California Distinguished School,” said Principal Annette Ramirez. “This recognition is possible because of our collective passion and commitment to student learning and achievement. It is our ultimate goal to create an atmosphere for students where they can take risks, feel safe and happy and drive their own learning." Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology is located at 1300 Brea Canyon Cut-Off Road in Walnut. Principal Annette Ramirez can be reached at (909)598-3744. www.ybarraacademy.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.