Glendale schools named ‘distinguished’

Three Glendale Unified elementary schools were named Thursday as 2012 California Distinguished Schools.

Balboa, Monte Vista and Mountain Avenue elementary schools were among 387 schools statewide to receive the distinction. Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in Burbank and Don Benito Fundamental School in Pasadena also made the list.

“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 students, in spite of the financial hardship facing our state and our schools,” state Supt. Tom Torlakson said in a statement. “Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

The distinguished schools program honors campuses that have excelled in providing a top-flight eduction, while also making progress in narrowing the achievement gap between student subgroups.

“We are excited to celebrate the achievement of our students at the three schools, and see the hard work of the teachers and leadership there recognized,” school board President Joylene Wagner said.

-- Megan O’Neil, Times Community News

Twitter: @megankoneil

[Editor’s Note: This post has been updated from an earlier version]