Vanden earns school award

Vanden earns school award
By Ryan Chalk/ RChalk@TheReporter.com
Posted: 04/03/2009

In recognition of its hard work to ensure student success, Vanden High School was selected by the California Department of Education as a 2009 California Distinguished School.

This is not the first time Vanden, a school in the Travis Unified School District, has received the prestigious award. The high school earned the award in 2005 as well.

"It's a validation of all of the hard work our staff, students and parents have put forth in meeting their potential," Principal Sheila McCabe said.

McCabe received a call Wednesday from State Superintendent of Schools Jack O'Connell, who congratulated school leaders. McCabe recorded the conversation and played it over the intercom system at the end of the school day for teachers and students.

The state distinguished schools award identifies and honors some of the state's most exemplary schools. Participation in the program is voluntary, but the award is highly regarded statewide.

Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years and Vanden was the only school in the county to be recognized this year.

"We are honored by this recognition," said McCabe.

"We are especially proud because the award comes as a result of key programs including our site Leadership Team and Response to Intervention model that helps all of our students reach their fullest potential," she added.

A Site Validation Team, made up of local educators, visited Vanden recently as part of the Distinguished Schools application process. Team members wrote, "It is apparent that the Vanden school community is focused on the 'whole' student and whose priority is to fully prepare students for post-secondary opportunities."