NEWS RELEASE -- ŒBlue Ribbon¹ Goes to SD High International Studies

NEWS RELEASE from the San Diego Unified School District, Oct. 15, 2012

"BLUE RIBBON" GOES TO SD HIGH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego High's School of International Studies has been
named a federal Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon School for
2012, the only school receiving the award in San Diego County, one of just
307 nationwide.

Overall academic excellence or progress in improving student academic
achievement levels has brought the schools the honors. The U.S. Secretary
of Education Arne Duncan will honor 257 public and 50 private schools at a
recognition ceremony in Washington, DC on November 12-13. Each school will
receive a plaque and a flag to signify their status as National Blue
Ribbon Schools.

"This is such great news for the students, teachers and staff of the
School of International Studies," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy
Superintendent for Academics. "This is the type of recognition that
enhances the value of our students' high school diploma."

The School of International Studies is one of the five small schools at
San Diego High School, which is located at 1405 Park Blvd. at the edge of
downtown San Diego. The focus at this magnet school is the International
Baccalaureate program and the opportunity for students to receive the
highly coveted IB diploma. The school has won many awards and regularly
places high on lists of the best high schools in the country.

"The dedication of our students, teachers, parents and staff to education
is what has made this possible," said Dr. Carmen Garcia, Principal of
International Studies. "It shows that a challenging curriculum and a top
notch faculty and staff encourages students to learn and makes them want
to learn more."

"I congratulate these dedicated schools for receiving such a prestigious
national honor,² said State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, who nominated
the schools earlier this year. "This recognition was made possible by
motivated teachers, administrators, and staff supported by involved
parents who worked together to provide their students a firm foundation
for a lifetime of learning."

More information on the Blue Ribbon School Program is available on the US
Department of Education website.

"Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children
realize their full potential," Duncan said. "Schools honored with the
National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student
achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.
Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that
education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future."

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NOTE TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS: Logos for the National Blue Ribbon program
are available at http://blueribbon.rmcres.com/images/logos/logoterms.aspx

The website for the School of International Studies at San Diego High
School is http://www.sandi.net/sdhsis

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Jack Brandais | Communications Department | San Diego Unified School
District | (619) 725-5570 (Desk) | (619) 607-0477 (Cell)

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