By Khalida Sarwari
Redwood Middle School has been named a California Distinguished School for 2013.
The school was among 218 middle and high schools to receive the honor.
“The award is an honor and reflects Redwood Middle School’s strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement,” said Lane Weiss, superintendent of the Saratoga Union School District.
In order to be eligible, all middle schools must have an Academic Performance Index score of at least 820. Redwood received an API score of 978, ranking it in the top 1 percent of California middle schools. About 95 percent of students performed at the proficient or advanced level in English and language arts, history and social science, math and science.
“These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college,” said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction.
“Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools,” Torlakson said. “Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live.”
This is the third time Redwood has received the award, having won in 1990 and 1992.
Weiss said the school received the award because of two of its signature practices: mathematics support and intentional asset-building. All students have access to classes in the regular math program with built-in safety nets for those who need more time and support, Weiss said.
Intentional asset-building refers to Redwood’s involvement in Project Cornerstone’s 41 developmental assets practices, which includes seeking the student voice, staff development, parent and community involvement and student recognition. Students are given an opportunity to address and build these developmental assets in homeroom class. They also participate yearly in the school’s “Unity in Community” event.
Redwood Middle School will be honored on May 17 at an award ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Santa Clara, where Torlakson will present local recipients with a 2013 Distinguished School plaque and flag.
