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The previous two weeks I wrote separately about award winners in the community and the state of public school districts in the Tri-Valley. So why not marry those subjects this time around?
Eight local schools were honored by the California Department of Education in recent weeks in three prestigious recognition programs, with every district except Pleasanton Unified represented.
The eyepopper is Livermore’s Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy being named a 2025 California Green Ribbon School – one of only 29 statewide.
It was the school’s commitment to an environmentally conscious existence in its educational experience that stood out to state officials.
“This honor is a great example of how we can integrate sustainability into everything we do — from the classroom to the playground,” Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Superintendent Torie Gibson said in a press release. “It reflects the dedication of Marylin’s entire school community to making environmental responsibility part of daily life and learning.”
District officials cited a range of sustainability efforts that contributed to Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy’s award, including an 18% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% reduction in total energy use, 18% reduction in indoor water use and 25% reduction in outdoor water usage.
Also applicable in its student experience were incorporating environmental themes of STEAM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into all interdisciplinary classroom education, a dedicated wellness center for mental health support and social-emotional learning, and hands-on lessons, field trips and presentations on related subjects, according to LVJUSD.
To bolster its eco-friendly existence, the campus in northwestern Livermore is in the middle of a $25 million improvement project funded by Measure J and matching state bond funds such as zero-emission heating and cooling systems, dimmable LED lighting, cool roofs and heat-reflective paving, district reps said — not to mention adding more space for its STEAM magnet program.
“We’re proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the culture it represents,” said principal Joe Meunier, who accepted the award at the state’s ceremony and symposium Wednesday. “Our students are learning in an environment that not only supports sustainability but also teaches them how to lead the way toward a greener future.”
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy, which won at the Gold Achiever level, was the only Tri-Valley school honored. The nearest schools on the overall list were Oliveira Elementary and Mission San Jose Elementary in Fremont Unified.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized another LVJUSD campus this spring, with Lawrence Elementary School named among 336 California Distinguished Schools for 2025.
The annual program, which alternates between elementary school and middle/high school recipients year to year, lauds schools for exceptional student performance and/or efforts in closing the achievement gap.
“Developing strong learners who excel academically has always been a priority for us. Equally important is the cultivation of leadership skills and a deep sense of belonging among our students and staff, which we have strengthened through our ‘Leader in Me’ program,” Lawrence principal Kristie Starkovich said in a press release.
The district pointed out that Lawrence students scored an average of 55 to 61 points above standard in math and English language arts, according to the 2024 California School Dashboard results.
Kolb Elementary in the Dublin Unified School District also earned a spot on the Distinguished Schools list.
And the next district to the north, San Ramon Valley Unified, saw four elementary schools win the award: John Baldwin, Creekside and Greenbrook in Danville and Neil Armstrong in San Ramon.
“Through my regular school visits, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the exceptional excellence present in every SRVUSD school. While we are delighted to celebrate these four distinguished schools, we also recognize and appreciate the high-quality education being provided to every student in our district. We remain committed to our mission of excellence for all,” Superintendent CJ Cammack said in a community letter.
SRVUSD found itself taking another award from Thurmond’s department in February, with its Del Amigo High School being named a 2025 Model Continuation High School.
It was the only Tri-Valley alternative high school among the 74 statewide winners, with three others from Contra Costa County on the list and none from Alameda County.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” principal Lynsie Castellano said at the time. “It is a testament to the determination of our students, staff, and community. At Del Amigo, we strive to create an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their goals.”
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What a Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
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