Three schools recognized as “schools of distinction”

Three schools in the Twin Harbor area have been recognized as a Washington State 2014 School of Distinction — Raymond Junior/Senior High School, Willapa Valley High School and Wishkah School.

The award acknowledges outstanding improvement in reading and math sustained over a five-year period and is limited to schools in the top 5 percent of improvement for their grade band.

This is the eighth time the School of Distinction award has been made in Washington State. Statewide, 54 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 17 high schools, and 8 alternative schools received the award. Describing the schools that are designated as School of Distinction award winners, Greg Lobdell, President of the Center for Educational Effectiveness noted, “These schools are from all regions of the state, all sizes of towns, with a range from 2.7 percent to 100 percent poverty and enrollment of English Language Learners as high as 40percent. These schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools.”

Each regional Educational Service District throughout the state will be hosting an award ceremony to recognize the award winners within their districts.

Dates will be announced in subsequent, regional press releases. Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of the North Central ESD in Wenatchee and leading this work for the ESDs stated, “At a time when our schools and classrooms are experiencing the pressure of reform initiatives at the state and national level, it is great to celebrate the success and hard work of our highest improving schools across the state. This celebration provides important validation and highlights our need for the continued support of improvement efforts across Washington that are making a difference for all students. Our congratulations to the staff, students, leaders, and communities for their exceptional passion and dedication.”