Pleasanton Elementary School Named a Blue Ribbon School

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today congratulated 29 California public and four private schools that are being recognized as 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Pleasanton’s own Vintage Hills Elementary School is one of the designated schools.

Vintage Hills is one of 285 public (traditional, charter, choice, and magnet) schools and 50 private schools announced this morning by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

“California’s newly selected Blue Ribbon Schools are among the best in the nation and reflect our state’s commitment to preparing students for college and career,” Torlakson said. “We celebrate these models of excellence as they shine in the national spotlight. I congratulate all the hardworking students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators who made this recognition possible.”

The federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools from elementary through high school. The California schools were recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools and were required to be performing in the top 15 percent of schools statewide as measured by state assessments.

“We are so proud of the hard work and dedication of our Vintage Hills staff and students,” Interim Superintendent Jim Hansen said. “A designation of this caliber truly is a whole community effort!”

New Vintage Hills Principal Dr. Ann Jayne added, “This award reflects the dedication, pride and multiple efforts of our teachers, staff, and community to meet the needs of all our students.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a national awards ceremony on November 9-10, 2015 in Washington, D.C., where each winner will receive a plaque and flag. Blue Ribbon winners may fly this flag at their schools as a mark of excellence. In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented this award to more than 8,000 of America’s schools.

Details of the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website.

By Pleasanton Unified School District