Daves Avenue Elementary School Honored with the Civic Learning Award

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (December 9, 2024):  Daves Avenue Elementary School has been honored with the prestigious Civic Learning Award for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, marked this significant achievement with a special ceremony at the school, where Honorable Julia Alloggiamento presented the award. This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to fostering civic education through its innovative project-based learning (PBL) initiatives.

The school stood out for its exceptional approach to embedding civic learning within its curriculum. By engaging students in real-world issues such as homelessness, climate change, student advocacy, and intercultural understanding, Daves Avenue empowers students to become informed and active participants in their communities.

"At Daves Avenue Elementary, we believe in teaching students the skills they need to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate with purpose," said Principal Jenna Mittleman.  "This award is a testament to our community’s collective effort to inspire empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement in our students."

Notable projects include:

• A Democratic Process Simulation: Students explored governance by debating and piloting changes to their lunch schedule, emphasizing collaborative decision-making.
• Community Culture Fair: Fourth graders showcased the diverse cultures shaping Los Gatos, involving town council members and local families.
• California Fire-Resistant Design Challenge: Fifth graders addressed climate change by constructing and testing mycelium-based structures to withstand wildfires.
• Student Council Leadership: Elected student leaders were trained in restorative practices, promoting fairness and responsibility during recess and lunch activities.

"Daves Avenue Elementary School exemplifies the power of civic education in shaping our next generation of leaders. Their innovative approach to project-based learning not only inspires curiosity and critical thinking but also fosters a deep sense of responsibility and empathy in their students,” said Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee and Vice Chair of California’s Power of Democracy Steering Committee. “It is schools like Daves Avenue that remind us of the importance of equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to actively participate in their communities and contribute to our democracy. I am honored to celebrate their achievement and commend them for their unwavering commitment to civic learning."

The award celebrates Daves Avenue’s dedication to service learning, its integration of civics in various grade levels, and its commitment to developing students’ capacity to address complex societal issues. The school also encourages media literacy, critical thinking, and open discussions on fairness and equity, preparing students to navigate and contribute to an evolving world.