Healdsburg J.H.S. is California Distinguished School

For the first time since 1990, has been named a California Distinguished School by the California Office of Education.

HJH is one of only two in Sonoma County -- the other being Santa Rosa High School -- to receive the award, announced last month. Only 97 secondardy schools in the state were award recipients this year.

"We are recognized among the top schools in the state for our progress in certain areas," said Principal Deborah Hall. "Our two signature practices were positive school climate and academic improvement and support."

Positive climate for the school's 450 students was created with the launch of the Safe School Ambassador Program, Hall said.

"We have student ambassadors who keep an eye out for signs of bullying and harassment," she said. "They advise their fellow students on what behaviors are more appropriate."

On the academic side, HJH has a special program to support students who may be in the college track to see if they can enter the college track.

State education officials visited the school campus in April to observe Healdsburg Junior High programs in action.

Hall, who has been principal at HJH for the past five years, said the school will receive a plaque. Also, school staff will be allowed to affix the subtitle "A California Distinguished School" on all its stationery, signs, logos and other materials for five years.

Hall said workers will add the subtitle to the Healdsburg Junior High sign at the corner of Grant and Fitch streets this summer.

A traditional banquet for award winners at Disneyland Hotel was cancelled this year because of state budget concerns.

"It's not just me, it's our whole staff ," said Hall. HJH has 43 staff members, including 21 teachers and the rest office, cafeteria, library and other non-teaching staff members. "They are the ones who should get recognition."

Hall said the recognition, 21 years in coming around again, is "quite an honor."

Click here to check out Hall's video report on the award.