Highland, Glenwood and Mt. Pilchuck earn top state honors for student achievement

Three Lake Stevens Elementary Schools are among 413 schools across the state to receive a Washington Achievement Award for 2013.

The Washington Achievement Award is based on the Washington Achievement Index.

Schools are recognized as top performers in one of six categories:

• Overall Excellence

• High Progress

• Reading Growth

•  Math Growth

•  Extended Graduation Rate (awarded to high and comprehensive

schools only)

• English Language Acquisition

Specifically, Highland and Mt. Pilchuck received High Progress awards. Schools qualify for this recognition if they are in the top 10 percent of schools making the most progress in the performance of the all students group over three years.

Glenwood received a special recognition for progress in reading. Schools qualify for this recognition if they are in the top 5 percent based on median growth percentiles in reading.

“The students, staff members and families of Highland, Glenwood and Mt. Pilchuck are truly deserving of this prestigious award,” said Superintendent Amy Beth Cook. “Administrators and staff members analyzed data and collaborated to provide support and interventions to students where needed. This was truly a team effort and I’m very proud of these schools.”

The Washington Achievement Awardsz; http://www.k12.wa.us/EducationAwards/WashingtonAchievement is now in their fifth year, are sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Award winners are selected using the state’s Achievement Index and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver at http://www.k12.wa.us/ESEA/PublicNotice

“This achievement is the result of the joint efforts of our staff, students

and parent community,” said Chris Larson, Principal of Mt. Pilchuck

Elementary School. “As a staff, we analyze student data as teams and plan instruction together to meet the needs of each student. Students keep their own data notebooks, set and track academic and behavioral goals, and share these goals with their parents through student led conferences. It’s very much a team effort.”

At Highland, Principal Matt Pewitt attributes the award to having highexpectations for students.

“This award represents the focus, care and hard work that the staff of Highland demonstrate day in and day out. This recognition embodies the commitment our students and families have made to learning. It demonstrates what happens when a learning community is dedicated to empowering their students as learners, and supports students in having high expectations for themselves.” Glenwood Principal John Balmer echoed these sentiments.

“I am pleased for and proud of the students, staff and families that make up the Glenwood learning community. We are all partners in this process and it is wonderful to be recognized for the hard work that takes place at home and at school everyday. I am privileged to be part of a team of adults that collaborates, focuses on learning, and places kids first.”

More information, including award criteria and list of winners visit http://www.k12.wa.us/EducationAwards/WashingtonAchievement.