Making history not only for the district, but for the entire Coachella Desert Valley, Katherine Finchy Elementary received top honors as a California Distinguished School today. Finchy Elementary is the first public school in the area to receive such an accolade. With camera crews and reporters from all three local news outlets present, Principal Mark Arnold announced the achievement in front of the entire student body, faculty and proud parents this morning at an assembly in the quad.
"Winning this award is like winning the Super Bowl," said Principal Arnold as he addressed the crowd.
One of only 21 schools in the state of California receiving the award this year, Katherine Finchy Elementary School had already been buzzing about the nomination since last December. Offering up shirts for sale that proudly promoted the nomination, students and teachers could be seen sporting them every Friday to show school spirit.
A little about the California Distinguished Schools Award
This accomplishment is no small task. Schools must be invited to apply first and foremost and then those selected undergo a rigorous process over several months. Any small mistake on the paperwork can cause a school to lose points and ultimately be out of the running. The award is given to public schools that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs for their students.
Shannon Duffy is the Palm Springs Parenting Editor. Have a story or event you'd like covered? She can be reached at ParentingEditor@yahoo.com
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