State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Honors Distinguished School Award Winners

In a daylong celebration on May 26, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell honored the 2006 Distinguished School Award Winners, including five FUSD schools:  Canyon Crest Elementary, Mango Elementary, Hemlock Elementary, Shadow Hills Elementary and Sierra Lakes Elementary.  Teachers, parents and principals from each site, along with Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., and Cali Olsen-Binks, Deputy Superintendent, attended the celebration.

The schools were selected after submitting an application, undergoing a rigorous selection process by the California Department of Education, concluding with a site visit to validate that they are indeed exemplary schools. “These schools have demonstrated what high expectations for students and holding themselves accountable for progress can do.  By embracing rigorous standards and providing targeted support, they confirm that staying focused on student achievement is a formula for success,” said Dr. Charles Milligan, Superintendent of Schools.

Schools recognized by the state program must demonstrate high academic expectations for all students, achievement levels at and above state standards, strong leadership, competent and caring teachers focused on standards, and outstanding curriculum. 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell says, “These schools, which often face great challenges, should make everyone proud.  They prove that the notion that all kids can learn is more than just a slogan.”  This award is a prestigious recognition for each school that has worked hard to improve their students’ academic achievement in spite of their disadvantaged backgrounds," said O’Connell.

Photos from the 2006 Distinguished School Award Celebration

	Fontana Unified School District Elementary Principals Andrea Credille, Gerry Mullins, Frank Donahue, Sharon Lovell, and Sara Najarro, with Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, pose with their 2006 Distinguished School Award plaques.
	State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell presents Principal Sharon Lovell, Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, and Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., with Canyon Crest Elementary School's 2006 Distinguished School Award.
	State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell presents Principal Gerry Mullins, Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, and Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., with Hemlock Elementary School's 2006 Distinguished School Award.
	State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell presents Principal Sara Najarro, Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, and Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., with Mango Elementary School's 2006 Distinguished School Award.
	State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell presents Principal Frank Donahue, Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, and Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., with Shadow Hills Elementary School's 2006 Distinguished School Award.
	State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell presents Principal Andrea Credille, Deputy Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, and Superintendent Charles D. Milligan, Ph.D., with Sierra Lakes Elementary School's 2006 Distinguished School Award.
	The staff representatives from Canyon Crest, Hemlock, Mango, Shadow Hills, and Sierra Lakes Elementary Schools pose for a group photo at the 2006 Distinguished School Award Celebration.

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