PUSD’s Sierra Madre Elementary Named a 2023 Distinguished School by State

Sierra Madre Elementary School in the Pasadena Unified School District has been selected for the 2023 California Distinguished School Program, which celebrates exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

It was the sole Pasadena Unified campus to receive the award this year.

The California Distinguished Schools Award recognizes schools for their excellent work in achieving exceptional student performance and in closing the achievement gap. It is given by

The California State Board of Education awards the recognition to public schools within the state that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs. It identifies schools that have are reported exceptional student performance and are closing the achievement gap.

Approximately five to 10 percent of California schools are awarded this honor each year following a selection process. It is one of many programs in the California School Recognition Program (CSRP) and is funded by CSRP sponsors.

Sierra Madre Elementary is one of over 350 elementary schools in the state that were recognized with the California Distinguished School award for 2023. Seventy of those schools, including PUSD’s Sierra Madre Elementary, are in Los Angeles County.

“California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families,” Tony Thurmond, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, said in a statement.

The California Distinguished Schools program was established in 1985 and alternates each year between elementary (even years) and secondary (odd years) schools. In the past, schools that were recognized as distinguished held the title for four years. Currently, schools that are recognized as distinguished hold the title for two years, and after that the recognition may be renewed.

In 2016, Sierra Madre Elementary was one of five PUSD schools that were recognized by the state Department of Education with the Gold Ribbon Award, an award that temporarily replaced the California Distinguished Schools program between 2015 and 2017.

“Congratulations to Sierra Madre Elementary School teachers, administrators, school staff, and families for all your hard work to ensure that students thrive even during difficult times,“ PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald said.

On PUSD’s website, a description of Sierra Madre Elementary’s curriculum showed student mentoring is focused on four core learning areas in order to produce brilliant, creative, strong and true-hearted young citizens: rigorous academics, innovative and artistic expression, physical education, and ethical education and character development.

Dr. Jodi Marchesso heads the school as principal. She has served as PUSD’s Coordinator of Professional Development and Community Schools since 2021 and as the district’s STEM specialist since 2012.