Simpson Elementary Named Distinguished School for 2024-2025

Simpson Elementary School staff and students celebrate their recognition as a California Distinguished School.

News Summary

Simpson Elementary School in Rialto has been recognized as a 2024-2025 California Distinguished School. This honor, awarded by the California Department of Education, celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary academic achievement and commitment to closing opportunity gaps for students. Only 336 elementary schools in California received this accolade. Principal Ramona Rodriguez credited the school community’s hard work and dedication, while a celebratory event is planned for May 30, 2025, at the Disneyland Hotel.

Exciting News for Rialto: Simpson Elementary Named Distinguished School!

Residents of Rialto, get ready to celebrate because Simpson Elementary School has just been honored as a 2024-2025 California Distinguished School! This impressive achievement was announced by the state’s own California Department of Education, creating quite a buzz in the community.

In total, 336 elementary schools from all over California received this well-deserved recognition. The award spotlights schools that showcase exemplary academic achievement, along with exceptional student performance. It’s not just about grades, though! These honors are also bestowed upon schools committed to closing opportunity gaps for all students.

How is a School Selected?

So, how does a school earn such a prestigious title? The California Distinguished Schools Program evaluates educational institutions based on various criteria pulled from the California School Dashboard. This means looking at academic performance, student engagement, and the overall school climate. Clearly, Simpson Elementary has ticked all the right boxes!

A Little Background on Simpson Elementary

Opened back in 1987, Simpson Elementary currently serves over 650 students and has a dedicated staff of around 70 members. This year, the school rolled out an exciting new Dual Language Immersion program, demonstrating its commitment to providing enriching opportunities for its students.

It’s especially noteworthy that Simpson ES is among only 22 schools in San Bernardino County to achieve this distinguished status. The recognition is a tremendous source of pride for the school and the entire community!

The Team Behind the Success

Principal Ramona Rodriguez attributes this achievement to the relentless hard work put in by students, teachers, staff, and the strong support from families. Her enthusiasm and dedication shine through as she speaks about the collaborative efforts that made this honor possible.

Dr. Judy D. White, the Interim Superintendent of Rialto Unified School District, adds that schools don’t apply for this kind of recognition; they are simply selected based on their exceptional performance. That must feel like a fantastic acknowledgment of everyone’s hard work!

Long-Standing Commitment

Veteran teacher Sandra Bowden has shared insights about the school’s long-standing commitment to setting high expectations and providing rigorous instruction. It’s evident that the foundation of success at Simpson Elementary runs deep, contributing to its track record of excellence.

Parent and Community Involvement

Parents Ruth and Guadalupe Gonzalez have expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the school’s community-driven efforts, which have positively impacted their children’s educational journey. Such feedback truly highlights the vital role that community involvement plays in shaping the experiences of students at Simpson.

Celebrating the Achievement

Looking ahead, the celebration of this accomplishment is just around the corner! Simpson Elementary will officially be honored at the California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony set to take place on May 30, 2025, at the enchanting Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Certainly, it’s an event that everyone at the school and in the community is eagerly anticipating!

In conclusion, the recognition of Simpson Elementary as a California Distinguished School for 2024-2025 isn’t just a badge of honor; it reflects the collaborative spirit, dedication, and perseverance of an entire community. As Rialto residents, let’s rally around our school and celebrate this remarkable achievement!