VANCOUVER — Eleven schools in the ESD 112 region are 2016 Washington Achievement Award winners.
Given by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the awards use the Washington State Achievement Index and are based on statewide assessment data for the three previous years. The Achievement Index measures school performance, emphasizing improvement and recognition. Schools must have at least 95 percent participation on state tests to qualify for recognition. Priority and Focus schools are only eligible for Closing the Achievement Gap. Across the state, 280 schools received the award.
“I am proud to award nearly 300 schools with this honor,” said Superintendent Chris Reykdal, “These schools help Washington lead the way in innovative education and access to high-quality learning opportunities. To all of those honored, thank you for your dedication to Washington students, families, and the future.”
Schools are recognized as top performers in one of seven categories:
- Overall Excellence
- High Progress
- English Language Arts Growth
- Math Growth
- Extended Graduation Rate (only awarded to high and comprehensive schools)
- English Language Acquisition
- Achievement Gap
“I’m so pleased to see schools in our region being recognized for making progress and helping students prepare for their futures,” said Tim Merlino, Superintendent, ESD 112. “These schools are among the top in the state in terms of achievement and it’s important to celebrate the hard work by students and staff to achieve this success.”
ESD 112 region schools receiving the award are:
- Battle Ground School District — CAM Academy (Overall Excellence, High Progress) and Pleasant Valley Primary School (Math Growth).
- Camas School District — Grass Valley Elementary School (High Progress, English Language Arts Growth); Liberty Middle School (Overall Excellence, Math Growth, English Language Arts Growth, Closing the Achievement Gap—Hispanic Students); Prune Hill Elementary School (High Progress); and Skyridge Middle School (Overall Excellence, High Progress, Math Growth).
- Evergreen School District — Fisher’s Landing Elementary School (High Progress, English Language Acquisition) and Harmony Elementary School (Closing the Achievement Gap—Low Income Students).
- Longview School District — Mint Valley Elementary School (Closing the Achievement Gap—Students with Disabilities).
- Ridgefield School District — South Ridge Elementary School (Overall Excellence, High Progress, English Language Arts Growth).
- Vancouver School District — Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School (Closing the Achievement Gap—Students with Disabilities).
The award-winning schools will be honored at a ceremony May 3 at Olympic Middle School in Auburn School District.
“It is a great honor for the South Ridge team to be recognized for our collective efforts in providing a premier education for our students,” said Todd Graves, South Ridge Elementary School principal, in a news release from the Ridgefield School District. “The staff and students of South Ridge work extremely hard, and we appreciate the recognition. Go Roadrunners!”
Ridgefield School District Superintendent Nathan McCann reaffirmed Graves’ enthusiasm. “Receiving this recognition is tangible proof of the team effort put forth by the South Ridge staff and students, creating an environment where each child can pursue unlimited possibilities,” he said.
Educational Service District 112 enables school districts to concentrate more time, money and energy on student learning. Headquartered in Vancouver, ESD 112 provides local and regional cooperative programs and services to school districts and communities in the six counties of Southwest Washington. ESD 112 was established by the Legislature in 1969 as one of nine regional educational service centers to work in partnership with local communities and school districts to provide support services for student instruction, professional development for staff, and technical assistance in the administration of schools.
The agency offers more than 250 cooperatives and services ranging from interactive telecommunications to a child care consortium. There are 30 public schools, 23 private schools, two state schools and 26 child care centers serving 100,000 students and 15,000 school employees who benefit from ESD services.
