COVE AND NEIL CUMMINS NAMED 2023 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS 

Cove and Neil Cummins have been awarded the high honor of being named 2023 California Distinguished Schools! They were selected based on data reported through the 2022 Dashboard, including CAASPP assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data. Only elementary schools were eligible for 2023. Cove and Neil Cummins represent two of the eight schools in Marin receiving this honor. State-wide, 6% (356 out of 5,872) of elementary schools were recognized. 

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 356 elementary schools for providing outstanding public education and opportunities to students. Their innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive—even in the toughest times,” State Superintendent Thurmond said. “California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”

Upon hearing the news, Ms. Walker, Cove Principal, shared, “This is an excellent acknowledgement of the incredible work our teachers and staff have been doing. I am honored to work with such a passionate, talented team of educators who are committed to the wellness and learning progress of all of our students.”  Superintendent, Dr. Geithman commented, “We are so proud of our teachers, staff, leadership, and students to receive this honor. Our commitment is to focus on every student, every day. Cove and Neil Cummins are dedicated to implementing best practices in personalized learning that yield high academic and wellness outcomes.” Mr. Shaw, Neil Cummins Principal, stated, “I am inspired daily by our staff's dedication to their craft, colleagues, families and students. I am honored to be a part of this learning community, and this recognition is evidence of the impactful learning that happens daily at Neil Cummins Elementary with all staff and students.”

Both schools have been previously recognized with Cove as a Gold Ribbon School (2016) and Neil Cummins as a California Distinguished School (1997, 1989). With the addition of our elementary award winners, all LCMSD schools have been recognized with the most recent California Distinguished Schools Award. This demonstrates LCMSD’s K-8 commitment to practices that promote positive school culture while advancing educational outcomes. Congratulations Cove and Neil Cummins on this well-deserved achievement!

Board of Trustees

Annie Sherman, President

Eric Schmautz, Vice President

Amir Movafaghi, Clerk

Beth Blair

Natalie Medved