New Tech Again Named "Distinguished California School"

New Technology High School in Napa has been named a 2013 California Distinguished School.  This is the second Distinguished School honor for NTHS.

The announcement was made Friday by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. He said New Tech was one of 218 exemplary public secondary schools that have been selected as 2013 California Distinguished Schools.

 "New Technology High School has been a trailblazer in both project-based learning and integrated technology," said Barbara Nemko, Napa County Superintendent of Schools. "We applaud them for their outstanding work and we're very proud to know they've been recognized again!"

Patrick Sweeney, Superintendent of Napa Valley Unified School District, agreed.

“New Tech High inspires students to achieve their dreams and prepares them for college and careers," Sweeney said. "We are very proud of the students, staff, and parents.”

Michelle Spencer, Principal of New Tech, said the school's “staff and students are honored that our project-based learning model -- emphasizing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity -- is recognized by the state as an highly effective way to ensure all students are learning at a deep level," she said. "We are passionate about our learning.”

Torlakson said the 218 schools who won the distinguished designation "have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college,” he said.

“Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools," Torlakson added. "Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live.”

The 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program directly focuses on the right of California’s students to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.

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To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. For more information please go to the California Distinguished Schools Program Web site.

The Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) and Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) are pleased to announce that