Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan chats with elementary school students in Prescott last spring. The school district's focus on building math and reading skills is paying off. The Jr.-Sr. High School was recently recognized for improvement in grades and test scores.
PRESCOTT - Prescott Jr.-Sr. High School made the list of highest improving schools in the state recently, proving the hard work of the staff and students is paying off, Superintendent Bill Jordan said.
Ninety-nine schools received the award for School of Distinction recently. The award is given by the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Phi Delta Kappa-Washington Chapter (PDK-WA), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State ASCD and Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).
The 2011 School of Distinction award winners include 53 elementary schools, 22 middle/ junior high schools, 17 high schools and 7 alternative schools. This was the fifth year the awards have been given out.
"We're proud and honored to be recognized," Jordan said.
This is the first time the school has been recognized. Jordan was notified of the achievement by a staff member at Educational Service District 123 in Pasco last month.
" It's really looking at whether the kids are making academic process," Jordan said.
He is happy about the award because this means the kids are really showing a trend of improvement in their grades and test scores.
"That was good news for us," he said.
Recently, to improve student performance, the school has focused on reading and math. Jordan said much of the educator's time and assistance is helping students in these two areas because they are basics students need to further their learning and take on tougher subjects.
"Those are critical functions and critical kernels of knowledge," he said.
There are still some bench marks to reach, Jordan said. This award does not mean the school will cease its focus.
"Our kids are learning and out teachers are continuing to push them" he said.
A ceremony will be held Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at the school.
"The success and hard work of these highest improving schools across our state needs to be celebrated and shared in order to support improvement efforts across Washington and make this difference for all students," said Bruce Hawkins, the superintendent of ESD 123.
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