Aliso Elementary named 2025 California Distinguished School; students showcase library and astronomy programs

Principal Brett Wyberg told trustees on May 13 that Aliso Elementary School was recognized by the California Department of Education as a 2025 California Distinguished School and that a small team of teachers will attend the awards banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on May 30 to represent the school.

Students and librarian Caitlyn Damron ("Miss Kate") demonstrated a new student book‑talk program that records short reviews for the school newscast, and described an expanded Spanish/dual‑language collection purchased with support from the Carpinteria Education Foundation. Student presenters also summarized the year’s astronomy‑club activities, which included hands‑on projects, rocket launches and visits from local astronomical organizations.

Nut graf: The presentation combined schoolwide recognition with concrete classroom initiatives — student book talks, library expansion to support dual‑language immersion students, and enrichment via an astronomy club — and trustees applauded the work and thanked donors.

Quotes and community support: ‘‘I'm so proud of these kids’’ said Caitlyn Damron, the school librarian, as students demonstrated their book talks. Trustees noted strong community turnout at recent events and the Carpinteria Education Foundation’s support.

Logistics and next steps: Principal Wyberg said the school will be represented at the state awards banquet and will continue to expand library and extracurricular offerings with foundation support; several student performances and events were announced for May and June.

Ending: Trustees congratulated students, staff and donors; the board applauded the presentation and moved on to policy and business items.