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 The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passes through downtown Wapakoneta Wednesday, September 1. Staff photo/William Laney By CARLA MEYER
Staff Writer
For 45 minutes, the roar of motorcycles could be heard passing under an American flag hanging from two ladder trucks. For 45 minutes, area residents gathered in the shadow of the Auglaize County Courthouse and Wapakoneta Fire Station waved and clapped as motorcyclists rode by.
The smiles and waves turned into clapping and cheers as the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passed down Willipie Street on its way to Custenborder Field in Sidney where it was greeted by a field of American flags.
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School of Promise: Cridersville earns designation again for high achievement |
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Wednesday, 14 October 2009 |
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 Third-grade students, Kimberly Rose, Kaieb Fouth, Carlyn Pangle and Luke Beach participate in guided reading with Beckie Bledsoe at Cridersville Elementary School. Photo submitted By KAREN CAMPBELL
Assistant Managing Editor
For the third time in five years, Cridersville Elementary School earned the designation as a state School of Promise.
Recognized for achievements during the 2008-09 school year, Cridersville is the only school in the county to receive the honored designation and one of only a handful in the state.
“Obviously, this is something we are very proud of,” Wapakoneta City Schools Superintendent Keith Horner said. “It’s certainly a reason to celebrate. It’s a compliment for how hard the staff works together to help students achieve.
“Usually with lower socio-economic status you have lower achievement, but we’ve broken that trend,” he said. “That’s certainly something we all should be proud of.”
In being named a School of Promise, Cridersville is part of an elite group of 134 schools recognized for high achievement in reading and math for all groups of students, despite having 40 percent or more of its students coming from low-income backgrounds.
Cridersville is one of 21 schools recognized for three years of achievement as a School of Promise and specifically was recognized for high reading scores at a school with 59 percent economically disadvantaged students.
“Less than half the schools have received the designation for three or more years,” Horner said.
The school also has been recognized with the achievement for math scores.
Fifty-six of the 134 schools were recognized for their first year of achievement. They were selected for the award from among more than 3,000 buildings in 600 districts across the state.
“I think credit belongs mainly to four groups,” said Cridersville Elementary School Principal Dave Tester. “First, we have students who try really hard to follow our school mission statement, especially the part that says ‘and do our best.’ I think our kids try their best and their efforts are rewarded.
“Second, we have very supportive parents who help their kids be successful,” he said. “Our parents do a nice job of supporting the school staff, and that lets kids know school is important. “
He said volunteers, from Tuesday after school tutors to PTO and parents, grandparents and community members who give hours day-to-day play an important part in the school’s success.
“Finally, I am lucky to have an amazingly dedicated staff here at Cridersville,” Tester said. “They work long, long hours; they truly believe every child can succeed, and they work together well and are not afraid to try new things to reach a struggling child.
“Most importantly about my staff–– they truly all like kids and would do anything to help them –– and that includes every staff member –– from teachers to paraprofessionals, librarian, counselor, secretary, school nurse, custodians, cafeteria, etc.,” Tester said. “At any given time you may see any of these people helping a student and everyone here is willing to take the time when they see a student in need of help! I am definitely lucky to have a staff that always puts kids first!”
Tester said unfortunately, with the tough economy, many people are suffering economically.
“Despite that, it is gratifying that none of these above groups think that will in any way keep Cridersville Elementary students from succeeding,” he said.
All public elementary and secondary schools administering the Ohio Achievement and Ohio Graduation Tests and receiving a local report card rating were considered for the School of Promise status based on criteria that include at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students, meeting adequate yearly progress requirements.
Northridge Elementary School also is expected to meet the required percentage of economically disadvantaged students next year to be eligible to apply for the designation.
“Your students, staff, parents and community should all be proud of this honor that demonstrates your commitment to closing achievement gaps and helping all students reach higher levels of achievement,” Public Instruction Superintendent Deborah Delisle wrote in a letter to the school.
“As a former district superintendent, principal and teacher, I have worked with students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds,” Delisle said. “I truly believe all students have the potential to succeed and that all students, regardless of their zip code, income, race or disability should receive the highest quality education we can provide. I thank you for your leadership and the commitment of your staff to help all students achieve at high levels.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 October 2009 )
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