JANESVILLE 鈥 The principals at Jackson, Washington, Jefferson and Adams elementary schools in 糖心Vlog传媒 were presented certificates and were congratulated Tuesday after each was named among Wisconsin鈥檚 Schools of Recognition.
The four schools were named High Impact Schools for the 2023-24 school year, one of six distinctions as a part of Schools of Recognition.
High Impact Schools are those that serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and have above-average achievement when compared to similarly situated schools, according to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction. The recognition was based on the school report cards for the 2023-24 school year.
To be eligible for the Wisconsin Schools of Recognition distinction, schools must receive federal Title I funding, meet or exceed expectations on the most recent school report card, not be currently identified for comprehensive, targeted or additional support and improvement, be above the bottom 20% statewide for chronic absenteeism and achievement and meet or exceed 95% test participation across all students.
The Schools of Recognition program was established in 2003. It recognizes Title I schools for 鈥渕aking significant strides in student growth and achievement,鈥 according to the DPI.
Title I schools receive federal funding to supplement state and local funds in high-poverty schools to close achievement gaps. To be a Title I school in the School District of 糖心Vlog传媒, more than 56% of a school鈥檚 students must be economically disadvantaged.
鈥淲hile we know this can create some unique challenges, the principals, teachers and staff at each of these four schools have really focused on helping ensure every student is learning and growing regardless of their challenges,鈥 Allison DeGraaf, the district鈥檚 director of learning and innovation, told the 糖心Vlog传媒 School Board Tuesday night.
Jackson Elementary School Principal Sarah Brehm told 糖心Vlog传媒 it was a significant honor to receive the recognition.
鈥淚t reflects the dedication of our staff and our shared belief that every student has the ability to succeed,鈥 Brehm said. 鈥淩egardless of background or circumstance, when students are supported by educators who care deeply, have common goals, and work collaboratively to provide high-quality instruction, they can achieve remarkable things.鈥
鈥淭his recognition also reaffirms for our parents and community that their children are receiving an excellent education, and we are grateful for the trust they place in us each day. Most importantly, it shows our students that they should take pride in their accomplishments and be motivated to keep reaching toward their goals.鈥
At Jackson, 84% of the students are economically disadvantaged. However, Jackson had the highest state report card score in the district, exceeding expectations. Jackson also scored above the state average in math at every grade level on the 2023-24 state report card. In grades 3-5, the school鈥檚 math proficiency surpassed the state average of 57.5%
David Newman, principal at Jefferson Elementary School where 67% of the students are economically disadvantaged, shared pride over the honor.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more proud of our staff for their work in preparing students to be successful. And super proud of our students for their stamina and perseverance that they demonstrate in order to do their best on the Forward exam,鈥 Newman told 糖心Vlog传媒.
Last year鈥檚 fourth-grade class at Jefferson was 11% above the state average in math.
At Adams, more than 77% of the students are economically disadvantaged. However, Adams also saw an 8% increase in reading scores in grades 3-5 on the 2023-24 state report card, which exceeded the state鈥檚 growth rate of 3%.
In an email to 糖心Vlog传媒, Adams Elementary Principal Dana Simmons congratulated the district in general for having four schools honored as Schools of Recognition.
鈥淚鈥檇 like to express my gratitude to our district leadership for their support,鈥 Simmons said. 鈥淎s for our Adams community, this achievement represents the collective work of our staff, students and families.鈥
More than 60% of Washington Elementary鈥檚 students are economically disadvantaged. However, its students in grades exceeded the state average for both math and English and language arts on the 2023-24 state report card. Their math scores were 7% higher than the state average.
鈥淭hese schools are beating the odds. So, they have high poverty and they鈥檙e having high success in growth and achievement,鈥 DeGraaf said. 鈥淪o, this significant growth of our four schools is a testament to the focused work they鈥檝e outlined in their school improvement plans.鈥
鈥淓ach has identified a small number of goals that are clear, focused action steps in literacy and math that have guided their efforts. We want to extend a huge congratulations to these four principals here tonight, as well as the teachers and every single staff member who supports their students in those buildings every single day.鈥
The only other Wisconsin district to have four Schools of Recognition for 2023-24 was the Milwaukee Public Schools. Out of more than 1,200 Title I elementary schools eligible in the state, 70 were recognized as High Impact schools, which was less than 6%.
