12/12/2007 11:21:00 AM Blue Heron Middle School honored for academic gains
Port Townsend's Blue Heron Middle School test scores are on the rise, and it's attracting statewide notice.
The school earned an Honorable Mention in the 2007 State Superintendent's Learning Improvement Award, which was created to recognize schools that have shown outstanding improvement in students' mathematics and reading skills. The top 5 percent - 86 schools, 20 of them middle schools - received the title "Schools of Distinction."
To be considered for the award, a school had to meet the current year's state learning targets on the WASL for students in both reading and mathematics, according to a press release from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Schools that met the reading and mathematics targets were then evaluated for six-year gains on the state's "Learning Improvement Index."
Because the award is based on improvement across a six-year period, only results from grades 4, 7 and 10 were used, as those are the only grade levels with six years of trend data.
Principal Mark Decker said he had not been aware of the award before being notified that Blue Heron had received an honorable mention, but he's delighted nonetheless.
"In reading and writing we've made significant strides," said Decker, who celebrated by buying the staff sparkling cider and toasting them at a meeting. "In math I know we've come up about 12 percent."
Decker credits the school's staff and its commitment to the 4As - Academics, Attendance, Attitude and Activities - for the improvement Blue Heron has shown on the WASL. Providing students ways to expand their horizons is key, he said, especially during the middle school years.
"Middle school kids, they don't know what they're really into yet, so we want provide them with as many opportunities as we can," he said. "Reading and writing, we put a big focus on that, but also providing a balanced middle school program. Music is a big factor. Two-thirds of our kids are involved in art and music."
Port Townsend School District Superintendent Tom Opstad said he was happy Blue Heron is being recognized for its improvements.
"It's nice to be recognized for good things," Opstad said.
In the meantime, Decker said he and the staff continue to work preparing students for high school and endowing them with a sense of confidence that they can succeed.
"If we can give them a great since of self-esteem and empower them, then lights out - the world is theirs," he said.
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