Two Sonoma County schools win prestigious ‘Gold Ribbon’ awards

Two Sonoma County elementary schools were among 780 public K-6 schools honored this week by the state for outstanding educational programs and practices.

The prestigious Gold Ribbon Awards, now in their second year, will be presented Wednesday in Sacramento to the principals of Strawberry Elementary in Bennett Valley and Gravenstein Elementary, south of Sebastopol.

The awards, bestowed by the state’s Department of Education, honor students, teachers and principals for excellence in education based on high test scores in the subjects of English language arts, mathematics, sciences, arts, physical activity and nutrition education.

State education officials utilize the award program as a tool to assist the state with assessing the success of current educational practices.

“This acknowledgment by the CDE is a moment of pride for Strawberry and Gravenstein,” said Steve Herrington, Sonoma County schools superintendent. “The application process is intensive, and we are proud of the winning schools who have worked so hard toward this achievement.”

Sonoma County has roughly 111 K-6 schools Herrington noted. “Strawberry and Gravenstein set the bar high for future candidates,” he said.

California Casualty Insurance, the Gold Ribbon Awards sponsor, honored teachers, administrators and staff at both schools with a luncheon.

Strawberry Elementary Principal Scott Humble said he was delighted to accept the honor for the 441-student, fourth- through sixth-grade campus. Strawberry provides a suggestion box outside of the school’s office. All students are encouraged to participate, and on any given day, Humble will announce a few student suggestions over the school’s loud speaker.

“We are always looking for ways to better ourselves at Strawberry,” Humble said. “There’s a ‘Strawberry way’ and the economic diversity here provides the perfect environment for peer guidance.”

Gravenstein Principal Linda LaMarre credited employees and parents at the 482-student, K-5 campus. “We owe the award to our incredible staff and tremendous parent involvement,” she said.