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Schools gain top awards Mail Tribune / Drew Fleming Jefferson Elementary is one of four schools in the state to receive an award for its part in the SMART reading program. Reading to first-grader jared Jackson is Bryan Hadley. Ruch, Jefferson, Washington schools win �accreditation with merit� academic awards By Damian Mann Three Jackson County elementary schools with a large number of socioeconomically disadvantaged students scooped up the lion�s share of four top awards presented last month in a statewide program. Ruch Elementary School received the accreditation with merit status for the second year in a row. Jefferson and Washington elementary schools picked up the same award, considered the highest academic honor bestowed by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. John F. Kennedy High School of Mount Angel was the only other school in the state to receive the recognition. The schools received plaques and will be sent checks for $500. Diane Baldwin, secretary of the association of schools, said the schools were honored because they excelled in specific programs. Although most districts have education improvement plans to meet state testing goals, Baldwin said the association pushes individual schools to even higher academic levels. In Oregon, 360 schools are accredited through the association. Of these, only 10 went through the complicated process of applying for the accreditation with merit award, a much higher honor. Ruch Principal Janis Shade said, "We are just thrilled that we won the award. It�s good feedback that we are doing a good job. It�s also significant that none of our schools are of a high socioeconomic level." Ruch Elementary, where 46 percent of students are disadvantaged, excelled because of its performance in mathematics. Teachers often gave some students extra instruction to achieve school goals. Jefferson Principal Pamela Jones, whose school has 50 percent disadvantaged students, said, "We�re really proud of it. We�re proud of our kids. And, we think it�s worth the effort." The school, which has won state awards for the past three years, committed itself to making students excel at reading, Jones said. "We were recognized for reaching above and beyond." Jefferson brought in parents and high school students to help tutor children in reading. Washington Elementary excelled in science. "We are very proud," said Principal Stephanie Johnson. "Especially since 80 percent of our students are on a free and reduced lunch program." The school has 100 students learning English and 100 receiving extra educational training. Nationally, schools with a large number of disadvantaged students receive some of the worst test scores. "We are proud to be a beacon school and break that trend," she said. Principals credited Phil Meager with helping them prepare for the accreditation process. Meager, who is on the association of schools state accreditation committee and is principal at Hoover Elementary School, said schools in the program must exceed both state benchmarks and district goals. He vows that Hoover will seek the accreditation with merit award next school year. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.