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Sunset WASL recognized
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CopyState Apple award gives school $25,000
It was just like even Friday. The teachers at Sunset 1:1 - ementary in Airway Heights gathered a little before 8 a.m. their weeklv meeting But the 25 meeting was different. they brought doughnuts.
Superintendent Lam Keller had a surprise to share with the teachers, and he was relishing it.
"It takes a lot to bring a tear to my eve," he began. "But I got a call yesterday."
He paused for suspense before sharing the news: out of all the elementary schools in the state of Washington, Sunset was one of five to be chosen for the Apple Award. The $25,000 award is given based on improvement in WASL scores based on fourth-grade results.
The teachers hurst into applause at the announcement, which means more since the school has struggled with test
Principal Shawn Dodson said the improvement is due to the hard work of teachers and the implementation of new strategies through the Response to Intervention (RTI) model of instruction, which uses research-based intervention to help students achieve academic success.
"Our focus in the past few years has been figuring out what students need to do better, and working with them to fill those needs," he said. It seems to be working.
Fourth-grade teacher Beth Conrath said collaboration with other teachers has helped her serve students better.
"We've been working so hard for so many years to get those kids where they need to be," she said. "It's so gratifying to be recognised for it."
Students at the school will have a hand in deciding how the money is spent.
Copyright 2009 Cheney Free Press, Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2009 Cheney Free Press Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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