The California Department of Education (CDE) honored high performing schools from Sacramento and other northern California at a regional celebration on May 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton. The event recognized the 2013 Distinguished Schools and the Title I Academic Achievement Award Schools—altogether, 39 schools from 16 counties. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) served as local host of the event. Similar events are being held regionally throughout May to honor all of the state's high performing schools.
Musical selections by the Hillcrest Middle School Jazz Band (Gravenstein School District in Sonoma County) kicked off the morning. Performing the National Anthem and other musical selections were students from the Natomas Charter School Vocal Ensemble (Natomas Unified School District in Sacramento County).
L. Steven Winlock, Ed.D., Executive Director of SCOE's Leadership Institute Program, served as master of ceremonies. SCOE Deputy Superintendent Sue Stickel presented welcoming remarks. Recognizing school principals and staff onstage was State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Seven schools from Sacramento County districts were among those honored on May 10:
- Natomas Unified School District: Natomas Charter
- River Delta Unified School District: Isleton Elementary
- Sacramento City Unified School District: Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, West Campus High
- San Juan Unified School District: Andrew Carnegie Middle, Mira Loma High, and Rio Americano High