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Simi Valley Unified honors three California Distinguished elementary schools and local business partners supporting special-needs students
Summary
Trustees recognized Garden Grove, Madera and White Oak elementary schools as California Distinguished Schools and highlighted the Transition Partnership Program's local business partners that provide work-based learning for students with special needs.
The Simi Valley Unified School District board honored three elementary schools designated as California Distinguished Schools and recognized local businesses that partner with the district's Transition Partnership Program (TPP) to provide on-the-job training for students with special needs.
District staff noted that Garden Grove, Madera and White Oak were among six Ventura County elementary schools selected by the California Department of Education for closing achievement gaps and demonstrating exemplary growth on the state dashboard. Staff cited improvements such as Garden Grove's 17-point ELA gain and White Oak's 31.5-point ELA increase, along with declines in chronic absenteeism at the recognized sites.
A principal spokesperson accepted the award on behalf of the three schools and described the honors as recognition of collaborative school culture and targeted interventions. "This award is a true testament to the power of teamwork," the principal said, highlighting professional learning communities and focused supports for English learners and students experiencing persistent achievement gaps.
The board also recognized local businesses that host TPP students. Barbara Stewart, the district's Transition Partnership Program job developer, described TPP as a partnership "between the Department of Rehabilitation and the Simi Valley Unified School District" that provides individualized, hands-on job training for students ages 16 to 21 with IEPs or 504 plans. Stewart named Grocery Outlet (new operators Michael Lehi and Jesus Ching), Lucky Dog Coffee, Santa Susana Fiber Arts Studio and Tiny Treasures Collective among partners that provide work experience, mentorship and opportunities to build soft skills.
Trustees congratulated staff, principals, volunteers and business partners. The board emphasized the importance of sharing successful practices across schools and thanked the community for supporting students through both volunteer time and resources.
Provenance: Recognition of California Distinguished Schools introduced at SEG 063 and TPP business partner recognitions presented from SEG 342 through SEG 644.
