Healdsburg Junior High was recently named a 2024 California Distinguished School, a recognition by the state’s Department of Education that identifies schools that show significant progress in student achievement.
The junior high was one of only three Sonoma County schools to win the award. “This is a huge honor and testament to the hard work of our junior high’s staff and students,” said District Superintendent Chris Vanden Heuvel and Board President Aracely Romo-Flores in a joint statement.
Multiple measures are evaluated to identify eligible distinguished schools based on their performance on state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard).
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, said the CDE.
Criteria include 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).
The other two Sonoma County schools so recognized were Brook Haven and Twin Hills Charter middle schools, both in Sebastopol. A total of 293 elementary and primary schools statewide won the award.
“Again, a huge congratulations to Team HJH! Thank you to our HJH staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to our students, and thank you to our students for working hard and being all stars inside and out of the classroom.”
Concluded the joint statement, “It’s a great day to be a Grey Pup!”
