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Warner Middle School Earns 2026 CABE Seal of Excellence

March 9, 2026

Westminster School District proudly announces that Warner Middle School has been named a 2026 CABE Seal of Excellence School by the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE). The prestigious statewide recognition honors schools that demonstrate a strong vision for biliteracy, multicultural competency, and educational equity, while preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.

On March 6, 2026, district leadership accepted the award during the 2026 CABE Conference in San Francisco, where Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D., Board Clerk Frances Nguyen, and Warner Middle School Principal Dr. Kenneth Lopour represented the Westminster School District and the Warner community.

A group of students and adults are standing on a stage holding a large banner for for the CABE award.
 

The recognition highlights Warner Middle School’s commitment to building strong academic foundations while helping students develop language skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness—essential qualities for success in today’s diverse and interconnected world.

“Warner Middle School’s recognition reflects the outstanding work happening in classrooms every day,” said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. “Our educators continue to create meaningful learning experiences that challenge and inspire students, and this recognition affirms the impact of their dedication and innovation.”

Warner Middle School Team Photo - Schools to Watch
 

Warner Middle School is also recognized for its innovative STEM learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world impact. In 2025, students participated in hands-on projects such as raising Pismo clams to support marine life restoration, an initiative that built environmental awareness while strengthening science and research skills. That same year, Warner’s commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence earned the school recognition as a 2025 “School to Watch.” These accomplishments reflect Warner’s broader approach to education—combining strong academics, innovation, and global readiness to prepare students for future success.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for earning this recognition,” said Warner Middle School Principal Dr. Kenneth Lopour. “From dual language learning to hands-on STEM experiences, our goal is to create meaningful opportunities that help every student grow academically, culturally, and as engaged global citizens.”

 

A Helen Stacey Middle School student stands on stage holding an academic award while school administrators and staff pose alongside him during a school recognition ceremony.

 

Warner’s achievement also reflects Westminster School District’s continued leadership in Dual Language education. In recent years, several district schools have received statewide recognition from CABE. DeMille Elementary School and Willmore Elementary School earned the CABE Seal of Excellence during the 2022–2023 school year. In the 2024–2025 school year, DeMille Elementary School also received the CABE Visionary Board Award for launching California’s first Vietnamese Dual Language program, and Land Early Learning Center was recognized with the CABE Seal of Excellence for its dual language infant, toddler, and preschool programs.

“Warner Middle School’s recognition as a CABE Seal of Excellence School is a testament to the hard work of our educators and the strength of our community,” said Trustee Frances Nguyen. “Our Dual Language programs empower students to become confident learners who can communicate across cultures and thrive in a global society."

Together, these recognitions highlight Westminster School District’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students to develop biliteracy, cultural understanding, and the confidence to succeed in a global society.

 

Families interested in learning more about Westminster School District’s Dual Language programs and enrollment opportunities are encouraged to learn more.