FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2013
CONTACT: Brendon Wold, Deputy Communications Director – (360) 786-7698
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7252 Rep. Joel Kretz – (360) 786-7988
Rep. Shelly Short – (360) 786-7908
7th District legislators laud district schools for earning 2012 Washington Achievement Award
Today Sen. John Smith and Reps. Shelly Short and Joel Kretz congratulated Deer Park Home Link Program, Cusick Junior Senior High, Gess Elementary, Northport Elementary, and Okanogan High for receiving the 2012 Washington Achievement Award.
“This award is one of our state’s highest honors for schools,” said Smith, R-Colville. “The evaluation process paints a clear picture of how our schools are performing and how they are improving. I commend these schools for their commitment to excellence and for striving for the best outcomes for their students.”
“Our teachers, parents and school administrators all care deeply for our students and how they are progressing at school,” said Short, R-Addy. “The Washington Achievement Award is in recognition of the hard work, long hours and many sacrifices made by all so that our children receive the best education possible.”
“I continue to believe that our rural schools offer an element of learning that is incomparable,” said Kretz, R-Wauconda. “We have active parents, involved teachers and principals, and superintendents that are invested in making their schools the best they can be to serve the children in our district. I congratulate them on a job well done.”
Award winners were evaluated based on the state’s Achievement Index and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act flexibility waiver for the three previous years, and ranked in seven categories: overall excellence, language arts, math, science, extended graduation rate, closing achievement gaps, and high progress. A total of 381 elementary, middle, high and comprehensive schools were chosen as award recipients.
The award, in its fourth year, is sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education.
An award ceremony is scheduled for April 30 at Kentwood High School in Covington.
For more information, visit our Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov.
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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov
455 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600