Lawrence Elementary Recognized for Exceptional Student Achievement

For Immediate Release
Lawrence Elementary Recognized for Exceptional Student Achievement

April 3, 2025 - Livermore, CA - Lawrence Elementary, part of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), has been honored as a 2025 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education (CDE). This prestigious recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional student performance or significant progress in closing the achievement gap. Lawrence Elementary earned this distinction for its outstanding academic achievements, as reflected in its 2024 California School Dashboard results, where students showed impressive growth, scoring an average of 55 to 61 points above standard in both English Language Arts and Math.

Distinguished Schools are also evaluated on strong student engagement and positive school climate. Principal Kristie Starkovich emphasized Lawrence’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. “Developing strong learners who excel academically has always been a priority for us. Equally important is the cultivation of leadership skills and a deep sense of belonging among our students and staff, which we have strengthened through our Leader in Me program,” expressed Principal Kristie Starkovich.

Adding to its accolades, Lawrence was also certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, and further distinguished as a Lighthouse Honor Roll School by FranklinCovey Education earlier this year. These recognitions reflect Lawrence’s implementation of the Leader in Me program with fidelity coupled with its high academic outcomes as recognized by the CDE.

Since adopting the Leader in Me program in 2016, Lawrence has focused on empowering and equipping students with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive and contribute in the 21st century. This includes developing learners who take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, value differences, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, are considerate of others, and contribute to society. “Our students have gained the ability to manage their own learning and set significant goals. These are skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and into adulthood. Our families have noticed positive changes at home, such as increased confidence and leadership skills in their children,” shared Starkovich.

Superintendent Torie Gibson emphasized the dedication and commitment that led to the school’s achievements, stating, "Lawrence's recognitions as a 2025 California Distinguished School and Leader in Me Lighthouse School are the result of exceptional instruction, careful analysis and responsiveness to student data, and a well-established culture of leadership and pride where students, staff, and families feel empowered and responsible for their school's collective success. We couldn't be prouder of the Lawrence community for these well-deserved honors!"

For more information on this year’s California Distinguished Schools, see the CDE’s March 25, 2025 press release.
Photos courtesy of California Department of Education & LVJUSD
Photo #1: California Distinguished School Logo Photo #2: Lawrence Elementary Visit: Principal Kristie Starkovich, Lawrence students (left to right: Zoe Burdios, Caleb Navas, Carlos Quintero), and Les the Labrador pictured with Franklin Covey board member, Joel Peterson, who visited the school to see the Leader in Me program in action.
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ABOUT LIVERMORE VALLEY JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
LVJUSD is an award-winning district that serves more than 13,000 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade at nine elementary campuses, two TK-8 schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, and two alternative schools. The LVJUSD features International Baccalaureate Programmes, a Dual Immersion Program, and a STEM pathway, TK-12. The mission of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is to ensure each student will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing world. For more information about the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, please visit www.livermoreschools.org
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
School Board President Emily Prusso, eprussotrustee@lvjusd.org (925) 606-3281
Superintendent of Schools Torie Gibson, Ed.D., tgibson@lvjusd.org (925) 606-3281
Coordinator of Community Engagement Michelle Dawson, mdawson@lvjusd.org (925) 960-29