Good morning and happy summer break!

 

Each year, because of your good work, Everett Public Schools achieves impressive milestones that exemplify your professional skills and your dedication to student learning.

 

On this last morning of the official “last day” of school year 2010-11, I invite you to take a moment to scan through the list below – a list of just some of this year’s milestones. What is hidden behind every item in the list is story after story of individuals who gave selflessly to make dreams a reality.

 

·        At our recent commencement services more than 1,100 students earned a high school diploma. The district is well on track to reach our goal of 1,150 graduates by the time the August commencement ceremonies are held.

 

·        The just-released HSPE results indicate that our tenth-graders, class of 2013, scored well above the state averages:

o       87.3% in Reading

o       90.3% in Writing

o       59.1% in Science

 

·        In our first full year of implementing the College Math Placement Test, 65% of students (1,190 of 1,835) qualified for college level math placement, eliminating any need for remedial math when they enroll in college – saving them time and money in college.

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·        Seven schools earned Washington Achievement Awards:

o       Evergreen Middle School

o       Gateway Middle School

o       Silver Firs Elementary

o       Silver Lake Elementary

o       Woodside Elementary

o       Cedar Wood Elementary

o       Garfield Elementary (special award for improvement)

 

·        Two schools earned the honor of being named 2010 Schools of Distinction:

o       Silver Lake Elementary

o       Gateway Middle School

 

·        Two schools earned Title I Improvement Awards – only 57 schools in the state earned this honor:

o       Madison Elementary

o       Jackson Elementary

 

·        District AYP compliance increased from 80.8% in 2009-10 to 92.8% in 2010-11.

 

·        The State Board of Education Accountability Index ranked 32% of Everett’s schools as exemplary or very good. Only 9% of the schools in the state earned this distinction for work on behalf of students.

 

·        The Center for American Progress, an independent foundation, ranked Everett in their highest category for “Return on Investment” comparing our student achievement to what we spend to help students achieve.

 

We have these and hundreds more reasons for each of us to celebrate and to end this school year knowing that our work is, indeed, the world’s most important work. Enjoy your summer and know that each of you is appreciated. You do make a difference.

 

Very truly yours,

Gary

 

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