Sunnyvale School District is proud to announce that Cumberland Elementary School has been named a 2018 California Distinguished School.
Cumberland joins the ranks of 287 elementary schools being honored under the Distinguished Schools Program. This program returns after a three-year break and replaces the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program.
“I am so proud of the leadership, faculty, and staff of Cumberland Elementary School,” Superintendent Benjamin Picard said. “Their devotion to serving all students well is commendable. Embracing parents as partners has enabled Cumberland to successfully incorporate project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and technology into supporting the whole child.”
The 2018 California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes California elementary schools that have made exceptional gains in implementing academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Schools that applied were eligible based on their performance and progress on the state indicators as described on the California School Dashboard. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and English learner progress.
Cumberland utilizes Project Based Learning (PBL) as a key initiative to support the school’s mission to 
“develop globally aware learners who are compassionate problem solvers and leaders.” PBL is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge. This method addresses the Common Core standards which emphasize real-world application of knowledge and skills, builds 21st-century skills as needed for college, career, and life, and provides opportunities for students to use technology.
Distinguished Schools were honored in May during a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The following day, educators from these schools shared their expertise and resources during a professional development day.
