KEARNY SCHOOL OF DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN, PREUSS SCHOOL UCSD CHARTER NAMED
NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
SAN DIEGO -- The School of Digital Media and Design at the Kearny
Educational Complex in Linda Vista and the Preuss School UCSD Charter have
been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle
and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made
significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among
disadvantaged and minority students. The program is part of a larger
Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about
best school leadership and teaching practices.
"This is an outstanding recognition for two outstanding schools," said San
Diego Unified Superintendent Bill Kowba. "I congratulate Kearny DMD
Principal Cheryl Hibbeln, her staff and her students, as well as the staff
and students at the Preuss School UCSD, for a job well done."
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program sets a standard of excellence for all
schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Each year since 1982,
the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students
attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.
At Kearny, Principal Cheryl Hibbeln said the honor was the result of much
hard work.
"This award is a validation of the staff, students and administration's
philosophy about student engagement and project-based learning," said
Hibbeln. "Placing students at the center of learning and engagement is the
key to student achievement."
The School of Digital Media and Design is one of four schools at the Kearny
High Educational Complex in Linda Vista. The comprehensive high school was
divided into four schools in 2004 as part of a grant from the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. Its diverse student population draws from
throughout the district as well as from the Linda Vista and Serra Mesa
neighborhoods. The School of Digital Media and Design has an enrollment of
475 in grades 9-12.
"We are a completely interdisciplinary, project-based learning environment
that collaborates with industry," said Hibbeln. "We work with local
companies and government on civic projects and campaigns. Through these
projects, students are motivated to tell their story to the world."
Academic subjects such as math, English and science are fully integrated
throughout the projects.
"Our academic standards are made relevant to real-world projects," she said.
Community partners include the Surfrider Foundation, Time Warner Cable TV,
Grossmont College, San Diego County Office of Education ITV, the City of San
Diego and ConnectEd California.
# # #
NOTE TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS: Principal Cheryl Hibbeln, staff members and
students will be available for on-camera interviews from 2-3 p.m. today,
Thursday, Sept. 9, at the school, 7651 Wellington St. (92111). Contact
Preuss UCSD directly at (858) 658-7404 for comment.
Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (Desk)
(619) 607-0477 (Cell)
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