District schools receive 2011 Washington Achievement Awards

District schools receive 2011 Washington Achievement Awards

WALLA WALLA - The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education recently announced Garrison Middle School and Walla Walla High School received 2011 Washington Achievement Awards.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education created the Washington Achievement Award to celebrate our top-performing schools and to recognize achievement in multiple categories. 

Garrison Middle School

• Special Recognition - Improvement

Walla Walla High School

• Special Recognition - Extended Graduation Rate

Comment from Superintendent Mick Miller
"It is gratifying to have schools and programs receive acknowledgment for their improvement.  Our staff members deeply care for their kids and are working to help improve the achievement of each student.  Congratulations to those recognized by OSPI!" Mick Miller, Superintendent

Garrison Middle School
"We are thrilled to have our school honored for our work in closing the achievement gap.  Our students and staff have been working very hard the past three years to implement systems changes and instructional interventions to assure all students learn. I cannot express my appreciation enough to our staff and students for their hard work and determination!  We are excited to have our efforts recognized by our state organization." Gina Yonts, Garrison MS Principal

Walla Walla High School
"This award is reflective of our entire community and their high expectations for Walla Walla High School. Our teachers, counselors and support staff are the key; they go out of their way to ensure that every student gets the opportunity to succeed and leave us career and college ready." Pete Peterson, Walla Walla HS Principal

This highly selective award is based on each school's performance according to the Washington Achievement Index, a comprehensive measurement of how schools in Washington are performing over time. 

The Washington Achievement Award is given to elementary, middle, high and comprehensive schools in seven different categories: overall excellence, language arts, math, science, extended graduation rate (high and comprehensive schools only), improvement and closing achievement gaps.

Yonts and Peterson have been invited to an awards ceremony Wednesday, April 25 at Mariner High School in Everett. Visit OSPI's Education Awards pages to learn more about the Washington Achievement Awards, including details on the Washington Achievement Index and the criteria for selection. http://www.k12.wa.us

For more information, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins at 509.526.6716 or mhiggins@wwps.org.