Toledo Elementary School students proudly display a banner celebrating their school's recognition as a School of Distinction for sustained student achievement in English and Math.
Toledo Elementary School has been recognized as a 2016 Washington State School of Distinction by the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) and the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (WSASCD). Toledo Elementary joins 93 other Washington schools in receiving this award for sustained improvement in student achievement in Math and English Language Arts over the past five consecutive years. Schools in the top 5% in the state in achievement growth have been recognized over the past 10 years for exemplary achievement.
Principal Angela Bacon presented the award to the staff and students of Toledo Elementary at a recent assembly. "This award comes as the result of the hard work of teachers and students over the past five years and includes teachers who were here and have left and those who have joined the team along the way," Bacon said. "Some of the students who participated in this award are in 8th grade now and some are still here with us. Now its your turn to add to their achievements."
While the award isn't a substitute for the annual accountability measures mandated by the federal government, it is an opportunity for students and staff to be recognized for their achievements and growth. John Welch, Superintendent of the Puget Sound ESD in Renton who leads this work as President of the AESD leaders group stated, "As we continue to move forward with new standards and state assessments we continue to see our schools rise to the challenge. This award process highlights our schools' achievements and the need to continue to support the dedicated and talented professionals who serve our students and their families. Congratulations to the students, professional educators and leaders for their exceptional dedication and effort. Well done!"