Westmoreland Elementary Wins Prestigious Award
by Darrel Stufflebeam
November 30, 2007
Congratulations to Westmoreland Elementary School for being honored
with the Governor’s Achievement Award! This award goes to
schools that score in the top 5% in the state in both math and
reading assessments in their grade level. Obviously, being in
the top 5% is very impressive. The honor goes to all of the
faculty and staff at that school for all of their hard work.
It’s also important to note that the other two schools in our
district are not far behind the top 5% for their buildings as
well. Both RCJSHS and SGE had outstanding test scores and are
very far above the average for their grade levels. When it
comes to test scores overall, Rock Creek USD 323 is among the best
in the state.
Being so successful with the Kansas State Assessments may cause one to wonder if that proves we are also among the “best” in terms of our overall services. I think I can make a strong case that we are.
First of all, we have outstanding academic programs at all grade levels and those programs focus on individual student achievement and learning. That’s why our test scores are so high in the first place.
Secondly, we are quickly adding important classroom technologies that are transforming how our teachers teach and how our students learn. The use of wireless Smartpads, wireless and mobile computer labs, ceiling-mounted computer projectors, video streaming, interactive PowerPoint, and multi-media across the curriculum are combining to keep us ahead of the curve when it comes to classroom technology.
Thirdly, we are getting to the point where we have enough room in each building or have reasonably fast and effective options to add more space if and when they are needed. The new SGE will end the overcrowding at that school and all three buildings now have preplanned options available should our school district experience expected growth.
Finally, we have a comprehensive variety of co-curricular activities that provide important and quality supplemental experiences in music, athletics, drama, agriculture, science, debate, leadership, forensics, academics, and journalism. These activities promote self-improvement and positive experiences for our kids and make school a more exciting place to be.
No single test can adequately evaluate the overall quality of a school or a school district and they shouldn’t be used for that purpose. It should seem apparent to our patrons, however, that the children of Rock Creek USD 323 receive an education that rivals anyone’s.
