April 2, 2009

King High School named as a California Distinguished School

Riverside –  Martin Luther King High School has been named one of only 125 high schools throughout California designated as a 2009 California Distinguished School, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell announced.

An awards ceremony honoring King and the other Distinguished Schools will be held on Friday, May 29 at the Disneyland Hotel.

This marks King High School’s second California Distinguished School award. The school previously earned the honor in 2005.

The California Distinguished Schools program, now in its 24^th year, recognizes exemplary schools across the state. Eligibility for the program is determined by a school’s Academic Performance Index, and Adequate Yearly Progress results. This year, schools also were required to prove that they are helping students from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds to succeed as part of an overall effort to narrow a statewide achievement gap.

Schools that meet the eligibility requirements then had to complete a lengthy application and undergo an extensive on-site interview.  Elementary and secondary schools are honored in alternating years. This year, the state honored 125 high schools and 136 middle schools from among California’s nearly 2,400 middle and high schools.

“King was nominated for this prestigious award this year not only because of a sharp increase in test scores, but also because our staff was so successful in closing the achievement gap for all learners,” noted Principal Dan Brooks. “The programs that our teachers offer – such as our Engineering Academy, Link Crew, SPARK, Pathways to Success, AVID, ROTC, athletics, performing arts, and a strong core academic program – all help to increase student involvement in their school.”

District Superintendent Dr. Rick Miller said King’s honor is just one example of the outstanding educational programs offered in the Riverside Unified School District.

“The staff at Martin Luther King High School -- and at all of our schools -- is extremely dedicated to the success of each and every child. The California Distinguished School honor is proof of that dedication.  I applaud the hard work of teachers, administrators, students and parents that culminated in this prestigious honor. Our entire community can take pride in this accomplishment.”

King High School is the 27^th school in the Riverside Unified School District to earn the Distinguished School recognition. Some RUSD schools have received the honor multiple times; overall RUSD has received 34 California Distinguished School Awards.