Latest news with #WashingtonSchool
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tri-Cities school is one of ‘lowest achievers' in WA. What's being done about it?
Kennewick School District will be under increased scrutiny to improve student outcomes over the next three years at Amistad Elementary School, recently identified as one of Washington's 'persistently lowest-achieving schools.' The Washington State Board of Education in April designated Kennewick as a 'Required Action District,' meaning the district and school this fall will undergo increased accountability measures, as well as receive additional support and resources — having requested upwards of $600,000 — in order to improve math and reading scores. This comes after the school participated in a required academic performance audit and began an improvement process with the community this school year. The school has scored in the lowest 10% statewide in both academic growth and proficiency in recent years, and has a high population of traditionally underserved students. For example, 33% of Amistad students tested at or above grade-level knowledge in English and 36% in math, per the 2023-24 Smarter Balanced Assessment. The test is given to students in third, fourth and fifth grades, and reflects the percent of students on track for college-level learning. A separate 2023-24 assessment of English Language learners showed just 38% were making progress, with 6% graduating out of services. The school serves about 690 students in neighborhoods west of downtown Kennewick. Nearly 9 in 10 are from low-income backgrounds, and half are English language learners. About 1 in 5 are children of migrant workers. Amistad is the only Tri-Cities school that will be under RAD designation come fall. At the same time, school staff here have already been working diligently in recent months to close opportunity gaps. Amistad was one of 406 public schools recognized by the Board of Education during the 2023-24 school year for closing gaps in comprehensive education. Superintendent Traci Pierce says that's a distinction only given to 16% of the state's schools. 'With the RAD designation, additional state funding is supposed to be allocated to help strengthen and support the improvement efforts underway. We are still awaiting word from OSPI regarding whether this funding will be allocated, given the budget cuts occurring at the state level. We are hopeful that we will receive this crucial funding,' Pierce told the Herald in a statement. 'The district is committed to supporting the Amistad staff and administration, and we have provided additional administrative support for next year to help expand family engagement efforts and student support efforts to help the school continue their excellent work in improving supports and outcomes for students,' she continued. School Board President Gabe Galbraith said he's confident leadership of the school and district will do what's best for students and move them in the right direction. RAD is an OSPI accountability designation that provides specific supports to the state's highest needs schools identified through the Washington School Improvement Framework. It's focused on improvement, and there doesn't appear to be any repercussions if schools slip further behind. Schools undergo progress monitoring four times a year, receive additional funding to implement improvement activities and hire additional staff, and get more training support from the state. The state's improvement framework considers both academic achievement and student growth percentile in English and math, as well as graduation, English language progress, school quality and student success to determine tiered support. Other schools given the RAD designation for the 2025-26 school year include: Nespelem Elementary in Nespelem School District. Evergreen Elementary in Shelton School District. Soap Lake Middle and High School in Soap Lake School District. Edna Travis Elementary in Tacoma School District. RAD work is paired with federal requirements under the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act. OSPI is mandated by federal law to update Improvement Framework to identify schools that need this additional support. To ensure Amistad is on track to improve education outcomes, the district will measure student growth on multiple standardized assessments; create opportunities of engagement to increase attendance rates, lower cases of discipline and increase family participation; and measure the impact of new job-embedded teacher training. Amistad's audit occurred between November and December, said Alyssa St. Hilaire, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. It examined several variables, including school leadership, performance of different student groups, feeder patterns, communication and collaboration, and teacher training. An external report identified three priority areas: Improving staff, student and family engagement; improving curriculum, instruction and assessment; and more targeted support for English learners and early literacy development. A comprehensive needs assessment listed in Amistad's school improvement plan for next school year shows several spaces for improvement. Hispanic and Latino students, who make up 70% of students, have disproportionate graduation success rates, are underrepresented in dual credit options and struggle more with chronic absenteeism. Black students and males are over represented in behavioral referrals, underscoring 'the need for culturally responsive teaching practices, increased awareness of implicit bias, and proactive measures to address inequities.' Overall, during the 2023-24 school year, Amistad had the highest case load of student discipline among elementary schools. The school also has an 'imbalance of representation of diverse groups among certified staff (teachers, counselors, education specialists).' Of Amistad's 49 teachers, 27 are white, 21 are Hispanic and one is Native American. Teacher retention rates are also lower than district average, indicating high position turnover. 'High-need schools like Amistad often face recruitment and retention challenges due to competitive job markets and cost-of-living concerns, making it difficult to attract and retain experienced educators,' a district report to OSPI reads. 'Working conditions — such as students and families with a lot of supports that come with first generation English learners and a high percentage of economically disadvantaged families — can lead to burnout and higher turnover rates.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dixon school board OKs hirings, resignations, retirement
May 24—DIXON — The Dixon Public Schools District 170 Board approved several new hires, resignations and other personnel actions at its meeting Wednesday. New hires * Natalee Boone, special education teacher at Jefferson School * Angel Doyle, pre-K for all preschool teacher at Washington School * Ashley Henegar, assistant principal at Reagan Middle School * Stefanie Jordan, social worker at Washington School * Alexis Point, third-grade teacher at Jefferson School * Abby Risner, choir teacher at Dixon High School * Molly Stitzel, fifth-grade special education resource teacher at Madison School * Kaile Valdez, paraprofessional at Dixon High School * Amy Wilcox, paraprofessional at Dixon High School Change in status * Kayla Ankney, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Reagan Middle School * Sydney Bittner, from office assistant at Reagan Middle School to building secretary at Dixon High School, effective July 1 * Brenda Quaco, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic School Resignations * Danielle DeWitt, special education teacher at Washington School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Jon Kingry, crossing guard at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Melissa Palacio, lunchroom attendant at Madison School, effective May 1 * Annah Rosenbaum, paraprofessional at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Katrina Shirley, music teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Elizabeth Stamm, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Retirements * Dorraine Kingry, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Dismissals * Esmeralda Rangel, custodian at Dixon High School, effective May 21 * Melissa Stowell, paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic Day School, effective May 21 New facilitator * Maggie Curry, physical education facilitator at Dixon High School Facilitator resignation * Jennifer Kuehl, third-grade facilitator, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 Dixon High School coaches/activities * Jesse Arjes, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Rick Shroyer, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Denise Ewers, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Richard Dingraudo, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Zack Heitz, head summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Brad Winterland, assistant summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Tyler Matteson, assistant summer strength, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 coaching/activities resignations * Eric Fergusion, RMS assistant Scholastic Bowl coach, effective May 21 * Candance Lind, RMS Scholastic Bowl coach, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dixon school board OKs hirings, resignations, retirement
May 24—DIXON — The Dixon Public Schools District 170 Board approved several new hires, resignations and other personnel actions at its meeting Wednesday. New hires * Natalee Boone, special education teacher at Jefferson School * Angel Doyle, pre-K for all preschool teacher at Washington School * Ashley Henegar, assistant principal at Reagan Middle School * Stefanie Jordan, social worker at Washington School * Alexis Point, third-grade teacher at Jefferson School * Abby Risner, choir teacher at Dixon High School * Molly Stitzel, fifth-grade special education resource teacher at Madison School * Kaile Valdez, paraprofessional at Dixon High School * Amy Wilcox, paraprofessional at Dixon High School Change in status * Kayla Ankney, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Reagan Middle School * Sydney Bittner, from office assistant at Reagan Middle School to building secretary at Dixon High School, effective July 1 * Brenda Quaco, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic School Resignations * Danielle DeWitt, special education teacher at Washington School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Jon Kingry, crossing guard at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Melissa Palacio, lunchroom attendant at Madison School, effective May 1 * Annah Rosenbaum, paraprofessional at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Katrina Shirley, music teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Elizabeth Stamm, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Retirements * Dorraine Kingry, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Dismissals * Esmeralda Rangel, custodian at Dixon High School, effective May 21 * Melissa Stowell, paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic Day School, effective May 21 New facilitator * Maggie Curry, physical education facilitator at Dixon High School Facilitator resignation * Jennifer Kuehl, third-grade facilitator, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 Dixon High School coaches/activities * Jesse Arjes, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Rick Shroyer, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Denise Ewers, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Richard Dingraudo, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Zack Heitz, head summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Brad Winterland, assistant summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Tyler Matteson, assistant summer strength, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 coaching/activities resignations * Eric Fergusion, RMS assistant Scholastic Bowl coach, effective May 21 * Candance Lind, RMS Scholastic Bowl coach, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Washington School fundraising gala raises $130k for repairs after roof sustains damage from March 14 winds
Stillwater's historic Washington School sustained roof damage when 70-mph winds roared through town March 14. The winds ripped off the tar paper covering the gymnasium's roof, causing concern that more damage would affect the ongoing efforts to restore the historic, former all-Black Stillwater school on West 12th Street. The Washington School Heritage Foundation hosted a fundraising gala April 4 to honor Washington School educators and their legacy of excellence and achievement. About 120 community members and City officials joined former Washington School students and educators at the gala, where coordinators had set up historical displays about the school. About $130,000 was raised during the gala, both through the silent and live auctions, said Jim Beckstrom, chair of the foundation. Oklahoma State University Professor and Public Historian Laura Arata, who serves on the Washington School Advisory Committee tasked with developing future plans for the building, told the News Press the funds will meet the immediate need for securing and protecting the roof. Arata said the Washington School and community spirit was high at the gala. 'Everyone loved the historical exhibit and I think it gave a lot of idea of what an eventual museum can look like,' Arata said. 'The stories alumni told about their teachers were especially poignant.' The 11-member advisory committee has been working since May 2024 to analyze and make recommendations to the Stillwater City Council on the assessment, proposed design, renovation and the redevelopment of the Washington School building and grounds. The City of Stillwater approved an overview of the plan for the school in December 2024, after which the committee hired architects to develop the next phase of recommendations for the building. The committee revealed the latest reports from the architects at the gala, Arata said. The committee plans to bring the latest report on the building's status to City Council at its May 5 meeting, Beckstrom said.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man found guilty of attempted sex assault on Sterling school grounds
Feb. 14—MORRISON — A Whiteside County jury has found a Freeport man guilty of attempted predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim younger than 13 in connection with a reported assault at a Sterling school playground in 2023. The eight-man, four-woman jury found Leandrew T. Adams, 22, guilty Thursday night after deliberating for 2 1/2 hours. The case stems from charges filed in April 2023 that accused Adams of luring a 12-year-old girl into an alcove near the playground at Sterling's Washington Elementary School and then sexually assaulting her. In all, Adams also faced four additional sex charges at trial; the jury found him not guilty of all four of those counts, which were two counts of aggravated battery in a public place and two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim younger than 13. [ Whiteside County jury hears allegations at center of Sterling sex assault case ] The trial got underway Tuesday with jury selection, with the first day of testimony beginning Wednesday morning. Under questioning by Whiteside County Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Homan, the girl, now 14, told the jury that in April 2023, she and a 12-year-old boy she went to school with met a new friend while hanging out on the playground at Sterling's Jefferson Elementary School. The girl and the new friend — a male the girl thought was anywhere from 14 to 16 years old — exchanged Snapchat information, she said. After the two messaged each other over the next couple of days, the three got together again April 12, 2023, after the newest friend called the girl on her phone while she and the 12-year-old boy were at Kilgour Park in Sterling, she said. The girl testified that the three met at Kilgour and decided that it was time to leave when some other kids got rowdy. They headed to Washington Elementary School's playground. The girl testified that when they ended up at Washington, the three sat on benches and played on the monkey bars. The 12-year-old boy had to leave, so the girl walked away with that friend but later returned to the Washington School grounds and rejoined Adams, she said. Several minutes of security footage taken at the school shows the two swinging on the playground swings. The girl said that she and Adams, whom she called Drew, walked around the playground for several minutes and into what is known as the grassy "U-shape" portion of the schoolyard that is surrounded by structures on three sides. A tiny alcove, which could not be seen on camera and is secluded, is where the two ended up, she said. The girl said that as they entered the alcove, Adams pulled her close to him, pinned her with his arms from behind, put one hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming, and then moved that hand to her neck. She said he then moved the same hand under her leggings and sexually assaulted her. She said she broke free as he was pulling down his pants and that she ran as fast as she could until she became breathless. She caught her breath and made her way to a woman who was walking near the school. The woman, Ashley Walls, testified that she was at the park with her son when she noticed a man sitting on the school grounds who was later joined by a female. She said it was that female who later ran toward her asking for help. She said the girl asked her to call 911 because her phone wasn't working. Walls called 911 to report what the girl had said happened to her. Whiteside County Public Defender James Fagerman, who defended Adams, told the jury Wednesday and again on Thursday that the girl's version of what happened changed over time. One of the facets of that story, he said, was that the girl told police that Adams had dragged her to the alcove; however, camera footage did not confirm that. And although the camera did not capture all of their walk to the alcove, the girl later admitted that she was not dragged there. She told the jury that she initially reported she had been dragged because of the emotions she was experiencing and because of things that were going on in her life. Fagerman said the fact that the girl said she was dragged and later admitted that it wasn't true showed an inconsistency that could not be overlooked. He said she told the jury that the events happened April 15, 2023, when they actually took place April 12. Another facet of testimony over the two days focused on a DNA sample taken from the girl's right ear during a physical examination. The girl testified that Adams was kissing her ear while she was with him, pinned, in the alcove. Homan said the DNA found on her ear did include DNA from a male and that Adams' DNA was a match. DNA testing results, as presented to the jury by forensics experts, indicated that DNA from three people was detected in the sample from the ear: the victim's, a DNA profile that matched Adams' and a third person who they cannot identify. The state rested its case Thursday morning; the defense presented no witnesses, with Adams declining the opportunity to testify in his own defense. In his closing statements Thursday afternoon, Fagerman said that the DNA on the girl's ear didn't necessarily end up on the girl's ear because of kissing or licking by Adams, but it could have landed there as the result of a sneeze or a "wet willy." As a result, Fagerman told the jury, the prosecution's case had come up short in proving Adams had sexually assaulted the girl. "There are holes in her story," Fagerman said, adding that she was not a reliable narrator. Homan disagreed. "She has been consistent about what the defendant did to her body," she said. Adams will be sentenced at 11 a.m. April 21. He faces anywhere from six to 60 years in prison.
