Four schools within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) have earned high honors from the State of California, all located in the city of Folsom. Folsom High School, Vista del Lago High School, Folsom Middle School, and Sutter Middle School have all been named among the 2024 California Distinguished Schools.
“This prestigious state recognition acknowledges schools that excel in two significant categories: closing the achievement gap and demonstrating exceptional student performance,” stated FCUSD in a press release announcing the success Thursday afternoon. “These middle and high schools further solidify FCUSD’s commitment to student success.”
These latest Folsom schools will now hold the prestigious title for the next two years, joining the five FCUSD elementary schools selected by the program in 2023. Those schools include Empire Oaks Elementary School, Mangini Ranch Elementary School, Riverview STEM Academy, Russell Ranch Elementary School, and Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary School.
With the latest additions to the list, the district is now home to nine California Distinguished Schools. A full list of all California schools awarded may be found by following the link below: link.
“This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, educators, staff, and families who contribute to the success of these exceptional FCUSD schools,” added the district.
FCUSD served a total of 20,986 students among its 37 different schools that operate with over 2,800 employees over the past year, according to data shared by Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian in her 2024 State of the Schools presentation last week.
All of the 2024 California Distinguished Schools will be formally honored at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim this May.
Two FCUSD teachers honored by Friends of Sacramento Arts
In addition to the Distinguished Schools honor, two FCUSD teachers were recently honored by the Friends of Sacramento Arts. Natalie Eck and Elicia Masztal were recognized at the recent Heroes of Arts Education Gala in Sacramento.
Eck is a Visual Arts Teacher at Cordova High School. Amy Strawn, Principal at Cordova High School, noted that, “Natalie’s dedication to ongoing professional development not only demonstrates her passion for continuous growth but also serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and students alike. What truly sets Natalie apart is her unwavering advocacy for inclusion, championing a diverse and supportive space for all learners.”
Masztal teaches Music at Vista del Lago High School. Kim Moore, EDd., Principal at Vista del Lago High School, recalls Natalie’s last end of semester performance with her students. “At her end of the semester performances, she always does a little awards ceremony for her students. This past December I was at the performance and after she gave her awards the students then surprised her with a gift of appreciation. All of her senior students said a few words and I was overwhelmed with the emotion all of our students have for Ms. Masztal. For many of them she is the one adult on campus that provides them with a space where they can feel like themselves.”
