Above: Students at Clover Ave. Elementary celebrate Thursday's announcement that their school is one of two in Los Angeles Unified recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Clover Avenue and Fairburn Avenue Elementary Schools are both being honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019, according to a U.S. Department of Education announcement released Thursday.
The two campuses are being honored among 30 in California and 362 in the nation based on “their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the Department.
“Congratulations to both of these outstanding schools and outstanding school leaders,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “Our goal is to provide every student with a great education like those in Clover and Fairburn.”
For 37 years, the U.S. Secretary of Education annually has identified schools showing exemplary achievement in student outcomes, either among groups that are traditionally lower performing or as a whole school. This year, both Clover and Fairburn were recognized in the whole school category as ‘Exemplary High Performing Schools.’
“We are very proud to be recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School,” Clover Principal Sharon B. Fabian said. “This honor represents the work and the dedication of the students, the entire staff and parents. Children from around the world attend our school. Our students speak 35 languages, and yet we achieve academically.”
“We are just thrilled to be honored with this award,” Fairburn Principal Pamela A. Marton said. “It validates all of our students’ efforts. We could not have done it without the support of all of our phenomenal teachers, amazing staff and supportive families. Together, we’re committed to maintaining our rigorous, challenging learning environment for all of our students.”
While this is the second time having been recognized as a leader of a National Blue-Ribbon School – Fabian having been principal at Clover when it was recognized before in 2012 and Marton at Community Magnet Elementary School when it was honored in 1999 – this year has added significance for both as the two have been personal friends since age five and have remained in touch as friends and collaborators throughout their professional careers.
Schools are recognized based on schoolwide student scores, scores for various student groups and graduation rates. They are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests. Both public and private schools are eligible for selection and span all grade levels. Nominations are made by senior officials in each U.S. state.
“Congratulations to the students, the staff, the parents and especially the principal of Clover Avenue Elementary School,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Their outstanding academic achievement proves yet again that every child can learn and learn well.”
“Congratulations to everyone in these school communities who go the extra mile every day to improve outcomes for students and inspire us all to aim higher,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the exemplary achievements of these honorees, including a special shout-out to Fairburn Avenue Elementary in Board District 4!”
“I’m very proud of our schools that made the 2019 Blue Ribbon Award list,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “This comes as a result of the hard work of all parties at the schools from the administrators to the teachers, the kids and their families – they all make this possible."
“We are very proud to have Blue Ribbon schools in Los Angeles Unified,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “We know it takes a team effort to have children to be able to achieve when the families at home and the schools work together, and of course we congratulate the students for their high achievement.”
“As a retired Los Angeles Unified educator and member of the Board of Education, I am always so proud when our great neighborhood public schools are recognized for excellence,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Congratulations, Clover and Fairburn elementary schools!”
Dr. Cheryl Hildreth, Superintendent of Local District West, which includes both Clover and Fairburn, said she was proud of the two leaders in her district.
“This achievement represents the accomplishments of two outstanding principals and their work to ensure that their students excel and that the school community continues to thrive,” she said.