EAST WHITTIER – Reflecting a commitment to narrowing the achievement gap and getting students to grade level and beyond, East Whittier City School District has been named a California Honor Roll School District by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE).

East Whittier is one of 20 California school districts to be named to the honor roll in 2016. This is the fifth consecutive year EWCSD has been named an Honor Roll school district.

In addition, eight EWCSD schools were named Star Schools by the ERP/CBEE for providing equity in English, math and science achievement across ethnic and socioeconomic groups – Ceres Elementary, East Whittier Middle, Granada Middle, Hillview Middle, La Colima Elementary, Leffingwell Elementary, Orchard Dale Elementary and Scott Avenue Elementary.

“East Whittier educators are committed to ensuring that every student has an opportunity to excel. To be placed in such a prestigious group is quite an honor,” EWCSD Superintendent Mary Branca said. “Throughout East Whittier, we have instilled a culture where our teachers endeavor to motivate, inspire and encourage all students to reach their highest potential.”

Comprised of local and state business and education leaders, the ERP/CBEE coalition seeks recognition for schools and districts that are dedicated to narrowing the achievement gap and preparing their students for a 21st-century economy. The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for schools.

“We are proud to recognize those schools and districts who are succeeding in putting their students on a path of productivity that not only leads to success in the classroom, but also prepares them to contribute to and benefit from a more productive economy,” ERP and CBEE Board Chairman Greg Jones said.