Home Street Middle School Receives 2024 California Distinguished School Distinction
Home Street Middle School Receives 2024 California Distinguished School Distinction
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently announced the names of the prestigious California Distinguished Schools Program Awards recipients. Among the 2024 honorees, was Bishop Unified School District’s Home Street Middle School (HSMS).
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. The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools.
HSMS was selected as a California Distinguished School after the California Department of Education analyzed data reported through the California School Dashboard for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. The focus of the data examination was demonstrated excellence and academic growth as well as an ensured positive school climate for students and staff. As a school being honored for closing the achievement gap, HSMS students displayed overall growth in the areas of English language arts and math and achieved accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups. HSMS also saw a reduction in school suspensions showing growth in the area of positive school climate. The Dashboard also showed growth in the area of academic engagement for HSMS with a decrease in chronic absence (students missing 10% or more of the school year).
Bishop Unified Superintendent Katie Kolker said this about the honor, “I’m extremely proud of the HSMS staff and students, and grateful for the tremendous support from so many of our community partners! This recognition is a testament to the intentional and focused work we have been doing to make gains in academic achievement and foster a positive school climate. It’s rewarding to have these efforts pay off and know that the students are benefiting in both their learning and overall well-being. It’s great to be a colt!”
Home Street Middle School will be recognized as a 2024 California Distinguished Schools at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 3, 2024.
