LOMS staff smile after receiving two prestigious awards from the California Department of Education. Photo provided by Erin Walton

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Live Oak Middle School and staff have recently added two new prestigious awards to their list.

On Feb. 29, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced that Live Oak Middle School had been named a 2024 California Distinguished School. The middle school joined 292 other middle and high schools in the state of California to receive the exclusive title.

According to the California Department of Education news release, this prestigious program “recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.”

Schools are selected via 2023 California School Dashboard data. Other contributing factors are the socio-economic background of their students and the ability to ensure positive climates within the school.

“Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”

On March 8, Live Oak Middle School would hear from Thurmond again.

LOMS had once again been recognized for its excellence in education, making the short list of 52 high-performing California Schools to Watch 2024.

Of their recent accolades, LOMS Principal Parm Virk said, "The CDE Site of Distinction and Schools to Watch awards are a testament to the passion our staff serves with!   LOMS provides a thriving environment for its students, one in which each child is understood holistically and offered a multitude of options to succeed.”

Virk shares that LOMS primarily focuses on academics, social emotional support, mentoring, and character development. “This multifaceted focus has helped us sculpt our service to address the whole child at LOMS.”

As for his students and staff, Virk had the following to say: “The students of LOMS have taught all of us that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, watching our students flourish is our reward.  Every member of our staff plays a key role in helping students succeed!  I personally am grateful to be serving such students and working alongside such committed and dedicated individuals."

Erin Walton, LOMS Vice Principal told the Herald LOMS will be honored as a high performing middle school by the National Forum of Schools to Watch in Washington D.C. this coming June.

Walton adds, "We have a wonderful team of teachers who are not just about imparting knowledge but are also focused on kindling curiosity, fostering excellence, and building character. They are mentors, guides, and champions of students. This award is a reflection of a culture where teachers and students work and achieve excellence together. It is my privilege to work among educators who cultivate an environment where every student thrives, and their futures are shaped."