Three Local Elementary Schools Earn Achievement Awards

Bonney Lake Elementary, Daffodil Valley Elementary and Liberty Ridge Elementary were all recognized with 2012 Washington Achievement Awards at a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 30, according to a press release from the Sumner School District.

The annual award celebrates top-performing elementary, middle, high and comprehensive schools for overall excellence and special recognition in language arts, math, science, extended graduation rate, closing achievement gaps, and high progress.  

Bonney Lake Elementary in the Title I school category, recognized for as a High Progress School. For high-progress, the school must be in the top 10 percent of Title I schools for both performance and improvement in both reading and math for three years.  Principal Sandy Miller and teachers Leann Klockeman and Leslie Christin accepted the award.

Daffodil Valley Elementary earned the award for Overall Excellence and was cited as 2011 winner. On behalf of the staff at Daffodil Valley Elementary, Principal Marcie Belfield and Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Erin LaVerdiere accepted the award.

Liberty Ridge Elementary earned the award for Overall Excellence and as a High Progress School. Overall excellence is earned by schools whose overall two-year average puts them in the top five percent.  Teacher Stephanie Linggi-Manley, Intervention Specialist Michele Johnson and Director John Hellwich accepted the award.

Superintendent Craig Spencer remarked, “This is the state’s highest honor awarded to public schools in recognition of academic achievement.  We are proud of the academic gains our students are making.  Our principals, teachers and staff are dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for all students and this recognition is evidence of their progress and success.”

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education sponsor these awards, now in their fourth year.  Award winners are selected using the state’s Achievement Index and criteria set forth in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Waiver.