ROWLAND UNIFIED ANNOUNCES GIANO INTERMEDIATE RECEIVES STATE’S HIGHEST HONOR AS 2024 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
WEST COVINA, CA – MARCH 5, 2024 – Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell announced that Giano Intermediate was named by the California Department of Education as a 2024 California Distinguished School, one of 293 middle schools and high schools across the state recognized for student academic achievement and success. The award recognizes exceptional California schools that have outstanding educational programs and that have been identified for not just having excellent teaching, learning and collaboration, but those that are closing the achievement gap and demonstrating exceptional student performance. Giano Intermediate will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 3, 2024 for this prestigious honor.
"I am immensely proud and deeply humbled to be part of this amazing Giano team that has earned the California Distinguished School award. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit of our students, teachers, staff, and parents. Together, we have demonstrated excellence in education, and I am honored by the opportunity to lead such an exceptional community," said Giano Intermediate Principal Carlos Ochoa.
To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard.
Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate. Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).
Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40 percent of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” said Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”
Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. For more information, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.
Giano Intermediate is located at 3223 Giano Ave. in West Covina. www.gianoschool.org Principal: Carlos Ochoa can be reached at (626)965-2461.