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Lodi, CA (September 21, 2023)--The U.S. Department of Education has announced that Middle College High is a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023. This national award honors public and private schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps and where students achieve high learning standards. 

This year, 353 schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Middle College High is among only 33 schools in California and the only school in San Joaquin County to receive this designation. 

The school was also recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing School.” Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. This is the third time Middle College High has been named a National Blue Ribbon School. The school previously received this distinction in 2015 and 2008, respectively. 

“Lodi Unified is proud of all Middle College High staff and students. This is a well-deserved distinction for the school. Middle College High provides rigorous academic instruction to students in a supportive environment, and offers unique learning opportunities to prepare students for future success,” said Superintendent Neil Young.

Middle College High is a collaboration between Lodi Unified and San Joaquin Delta College, and is accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools. Middle College High enables students to experience a high quality college preparatory high school education with direct access to college. 

“I am thrilled for our school to once again receive this distinction once again,” shared Vanessa Jara, principal of Middle College High.

“Our teachers and staff work diligently to provide excellent instruction and support for our students. Our students are committed to Middle College High School And San Joaquin Delta College. I feel very privileged to be part of the Middle College High School community,” said Jara.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education officials in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education.

With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

About Lodi Unified

Spanning 350 square miles in the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi Unified provides exceptional learning opportunities to over 28,000 students in Lodi, Stockton, and surrounding county areas. Lodi Unified strives to educate students for success through high quality instruction, a wide variety of Career Technical Education programs, joint efforts with higher education, an award winning Gifted and Talented program, effective support programs, and extended learning using digital devices. Lodi Unified offers unique opportunities for students and staff making it the premier education destination.

Lodi, CA (January 17, 2023)—Lodi Unified is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Area Directors. The Area Director positions are part of the District’s reorganization effort to enhance communication and support to school sites.

The Area Directors will provide direct supervision and assistance to school principals, coordinate with other departments in support of site operations, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of site programs, plans, and budgets in a common effort to achieve District goals.

Area #1 encompasses schools south of Eight Mile Road and area #2 encompasses schools in Lodi and the surrounding rural areas of San Joaquin County within Lodi USD.

Mr. Mark Dawson was appointed to the position of Area Director and is assigned to Area 1.

Dawson has worked in Lodi Unified for over two decades, most recently as the principal of Ronald E. McNair High School. He has served the District in a variety of positions, including as a social science teacher, assistant principal, and principal of two high schools.

Dawson shared, “I’m honored that the Lodi Unified Board of Education has appointed me to the position of Area Director. I am in my 23rd year in education, all of which have been with Lodi Unified across Stockton area schools. I am excited that I will be able to continue to serve our Stockton area schools in my new role and I look forward to supporting our District's goals."

Dawson successfully guided McNair High through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process, in which a school must demonstrate the capacity for a high-quality learning environment.

Most recently, Dawson was involved in the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at McNair High. MTSS is a framework that focuses on the alignment of systems for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social success.

Dawson holds a Master of Arts in Education from the California State University, Sacramento, a teaching credential in social science from the California State University, Chico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the California State University, Sacramento.

“Mr. Dawson has provided decades of committed service to our Lodi Unified students and families in north Stockton. He is a dedicated and strategic leader in education who has continuously sought new and innovative ways to provide educational services that fulfill our mission. I know he will serve the District well in his new position as Area Director,” said Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent.

 Mr. Peter Lambert was appointed to the position of Area Director and assigned to Area 2.

Lambert served as a school administrator and math teacher for 30 years in middle and high schools throughout Sacramento and Yolo Counties and in North Carolina.

He also served as a school administrator in Elk Grove Unified for nine years and taught for five years as a high school math teacher in North Carolina before serving as an assistant principal there for three years.

Lambert has an extensive background in educational leadership, including the development of programs to increase college acceptance rates and career readiness.

Lambert has implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to address the social and emotional needs of students with a focus on restorative justice practices. Lambert has also led the early implementation of an Inclusive Practices Program and piloted a co-teaching program to increase collaboration among general education and special education teachers.

“I am grateful that the Lodi Unified Board of Education appointed me to the position of Area Director. I have been a successful educational leader with extensive experience in meeting students' diverse needs. I look forward to bringing this experience to the Lodi Unified community. I am excited to work alongside a team that is committed to educating students for success,” said Lambert.

Most recently, Lambert served as the principal at Woodland Senior High School in the Woodland Joint Unified School District in Woodland, CA.

Lambert has a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Lambert also has a California administrative services credential.

Lambert served as a protégé in the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) superintendent mentoring program and was named the 2022 CALSA region 2 site administrator of the year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Lambert to Lodi Unified,” said Mr. Neil Young, Associate Superintendent.

Young went on to say: “Mr. Lambert joins our District with a wealth of educational experience across numerous school districts and states. He is well-versed in the educational needs of California students having served as an administrator in two of the largest school districts in California and most recently in Woodland Joint Unified. We know that his expertise will greatly benefit our students and staff.”

Dawson assumed his new position on January 3, 2023, and Lambert assumed his new position on January 17, 2023.

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About Lodi Unified

Spanning 350 square miles in the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi Unified provides exceptional learning opportunities to over 28,000 students in Lodi, Stockton, and surrounding county areas. Lodi Unified strives to educate students for success through high quality instruction, a wide variety of Career Technical Education programs, joint efforts with higher education, an award winning Gifted and Talented program, effective support programs, and extended learning using digital devices. Lodi Unified offers unique opportunities for students and staff making it the premier education destination.

Lodi, CA (September 19, 2022) —On September 16, 2022, Lockeford Elementary School hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Night to engage students and the broader community in all things STEM.

The event was hosted at the Lockeford Elementary School and drew more than 350 attendees from Lockeford and the surrounding communities. During the event, students, school staff, community members, and their families were able to visit various stations and learn, including robotics and paper airplanes. Additionally, Amazon’s Prime Air drone team was present with the drone displayed that will be making deliveries to Lockeford customers later this year. Amazon also hosted a food truck for attendees and handed out swag bags filled with a STEM robotics kit.

“We came to Science Night to encourage local youth to get inspired and curious about STEM. We brought our new Prime Air drone to give students an up close look at the new technology coming to Lockeford, while also providing tasty local treats, hands-on activities and a donation of much-needed school supplies to help support teachers and their classrooms,” said Amazon Spokesperson Natalie Banke. “We are very impressed with the way Lockeford Elementary School prioritizes STEM and recognizes the importance of teaching these subjects as early as possible.”

Michael Rogers, Lockeford Elementary School Principal, said “Our Science Night was well attended by Students, parents and staff.  The community enjoyed the static drone presentation by Amazon Prime Air and they had fun putting together solar powered drone kits also provided by Amazon. As a school and community, it was a pleasure partnering with Amazon and we greatly appreciate their generous donation.”

Amazon will continue to host and participate in regularly scheduled opportunities for the Lockeford community to learn more about the Prime Air service. Lockeford is among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries – getting free click-to-backyard drone delivery on thousands of everyday items in one hour or less.

 Lodi, CA (August 24, 2022) — Lodi Unified has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers by State in its 2022 edition.

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to compile the fourth annual list of “America’s Best Employers by State.” The list was collected by surveying 70,000 American employees who work for businesses with at least 500 employees. Forbes’ award honors 1,382 employers across multiple sectors that received the most recommendations. 

“I am very proud that Lodi Unified has received this award again from Forbes,” said Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent of Lodi Unified. “This designation is a direct result of our strong, stable, and dedicated workforce, and our supportive and innovative Board of Education. We have outstanding employees, many of whom dedicate their entire careers to our District and educating the children of our community. We are truly honored.”

Lodi Unified previously received this distinction in 2019. The District is one of only four California public school districts awarded this honor, and the only public school district to be recognized in San Joaquin County. Lodi Unified is one of the largest employers in San Joaquin County with over 3,000 employees.  

To view the full list for 2022, please visit the Forbes website