Union Street Charter School in Arcata (USC) has been selected as one of the California Distinguished Schools for 2018. The California Distinguished Schools Program returns after a three-year break and replaces the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program. Union Street Charter School is one of 287 elementary schools being honored throughout the state.
Schools that were invited to apply for the award were eligible based on their performance and progress in making exceptional gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education for all students by meeting state indicators as described on the California School Dashboard.
“We are proud that we received the distinguished school award. The teachers collaborated on the application to share with the state department of education the things that make Union Street a special place to work and go to school. We put in the effort because we wanted to honor and thank the school community: staff, students and families,” stated Rea Erickson, Principal/Director of Union Street Charter School.
Indicators include test scores, suspension rates and English learner progress. Schools were also eligible to apply for a California Exemplary Program award in Arts Education and/or Physical Activity and Nutrition Education. In addition to being a distinguished school, Union Street Charter School was one of 12 schools in the state to receive the 2018 Exemplary Program Award in arts education.
Erickson commended the Union Street Charter staff and families for their support in the arts. “We strive to instill a life-long appreciation of the arts and the creative human spirit. We balance art, music, drama and academics. The arts are integral to the California standards, and are highly valued at USC as a separate subject.”
Superintendent of Humboldt County Schools, Dr. Chris Hartley commends Union Street Charter on this exceptional achievement stating, “Congratulations to the students, teachers, families and staff at Union Street Charter School for being recognized for their exemplary programs and educational services. It is a true honor to be selected as a top school in California and an example of high quality education here in Humboldt County.”
The California Distinguished Schools award winners represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaborating, but also highly successful school climate efforts, ranging from real time conflict resolution to positive behavior intervention.