Two Martinez Elementary Schools Designated As Distinguished Schools By The State

Two Martinez elementary schools – and – have been selected as California Distinguished Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Thursday.

 “The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate 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,” Torlakson  said. “Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

California selects its Distinguished Schools through the demonstration of “specific practices to help close the achievement gap and support high academic achievement for all students,” said Martinez Unified School District superintendent Rami Muth. “A title alone does not signify exemplary practice.  I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and commitment to excellence I see at each of our schools and to thank the parents, students and staff for their hard work and special efforts on behalf of our students.”

“I am so proud to have this honor given to our school,” said Marge Pampe, principal of John Swett. “The Distinguished School Designation commends John Swett Elementary for both our targeted responses to learning and our school community - our committed and exceptional staff, caring and involved parent community and outstanding students. This is an award that is equally shared by all of us. It is truly exciting to be recognized for our efforts. It is also quite an honor for the Martinez Unified School District to have both John Swett Elementary and Morello Park Elementary given this designation. It underscores the collaborative efforts of our entire district to ensure that all students succeed.”

“As a learning community, Morello Park staff is thrilled that our continued hard work and collaboration have earned us this honored distinction,” said Jonathan Eagan, principal of Morello Park. “We worked very hard last year and the 15 point API gain and reaching over 900 for the first time were big accomplishments we were thrilled to have achieved.  As the principal of this school, I'm proud of the accomplishments of the staff, students, and parents who are so heavily involved in our school.  We see ourselves as a distinguished school, and appreciate the recognition from the California Department of Education.”