July 8, 2008
    For more information:
    Carla Barton, Whittier Elementary Principal, 425-385-4300
    Cynthia Jones, Emerson Elementary Principal, 425-385-6200
    Janelle Phinney, Jackson Elementary Principal, 425-385-5600
    Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049
    3 Everett elementary schools among only 48 to earn state award
    Emerson, Jackson and Whittier Elementary schools in the Everett School District have earned the state's Title 1 Improvement
    Award. Along with the honor and recognition comes $3,500 for each school to support efforts to increase academic success.
    Everett's three elementary schools and the other 45 across the state were honored because of gains students made on the
    Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) tests for the last three years and specifically because:
    l Each school made Adequate Yearly Progress according to the federal No Child Left Behind Act for three consecutive
    years from 2004-05 through 2006-07. This means that each year they met the increasing requirements for all students
    and students in all sub-categories to achieve academically.
    l Each school qualified as a Title 1 school for the last three years. This means that at least three out of ten students
    attending Emerson, Jackson and Whittier qualify for free and reduced lunch services because of low family income.
    l Each school showed population-wide academic improvement for the last three years and specifically each school
    showed gains across all ethic groups, with special education students, for students in poverty, and for students who do
    not speak English as their native language.
    These honors would be especially gratifying even if they came with no financial benefits, noted Superintendent Carol
    Whitehead. When we say that ‘each'student's learning is important, we do mean ‘each.'Three of our elementary schools are
    among fewer than 50 across the state to so effectively improve the learning for each enrolled student. Congratulations to the
    staff and families who have worked so hard to make such a difference.
    In his letter of notification to each school, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Bob Harmon wrote, It is not often that I
    have the opportunity to provide a monetary award to our schools for their outstanding efforts in working with our children. I
    thank you and your entire staff for the great work you have done in supporting your students.
    ---end---
    everett
    Page 1 of 1
    http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/7-8-08
    7/14/2009

    Back to top