The Byron Union School District (BUSD) has not one but two reasons to celebrate. For the first time in the district’s history, both of its elementary schools have garnered top honors as California Distinguished Schools – the only ones to do so in far East County.

On March 29, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that Timber Point and Discovery Bay elementaries had been recognized as two of 387 state elementary schools to earn a place on the 2012 Distinguished Schools roster.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about our elementary schools reaching this status,” said BUSD Board President Elaine Landro. “It means so much to our staff to be recognized for what we already knew – that they are amazing at what they do.”

The California Distinguished Schools program honors state elementary and middle schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students while narrowing the achievement gap. To qualify for the honor, schools must meet accountability standards based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and score high on the Academic Performance Index (API). Elementary and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years.

Discovery Bay Elementary Principal Danielle Storey called the honor a “shared award.”

“This is really a team effort, from our janitorial custodians up to our teachers, students and staff,” said Storey. “This is such a tremendous and prestigious honor. I’m very grateful for the recognition for our staff.”

Timber Point Elementary Principal Brian Burnight echoed Storey’s sentiments. “It’s such a public validation of the work everyone has done over the course of the past seven years (when the school opened),” said Burnight. “Our teachers have worked so hard to close the achievement gap and they dig so deep to work hard and come up ways to help our students, and intervene when necessary. I’m very proud of them all.”

The Byron schools – along with the other Distinguished School honorees – will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Sacramento next month. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson will present each school with a plaque and flag.

“The schools we are recognizing,” wrote Torlakson in a press release this week, “demonstrate the incredible commitment of California’s teachers, administrators and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools. Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

A complete list of school winners can be found on the California Department of Education website, www.cde.ca.gov.