Virginia elementary schools earn national esea awards

Docx File 148.49 KByte,

For Immediate Release:December 19, 2019Contact:Charles B. Pyle, Director of Media Relations, (804) 371-2420Virginia Elementary Schools Earn National ESEA AwardsRICHMOND — The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators has designated Rosemont Elementary in Virginia Beach and Washington-Lee Elementary in Bristol as National ESEA Distinguished Schools for 2019-2020.ESEA is the abbreviation for the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The most recent reauthorization of ESEA — the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 — requires states to establish long-term and interim goals for increasing student achievement in reading and mathematics.Rosemont Elementary was selected for exceptional student performance for two consecutive years. During 2018-2019, 93% students either passed or demonstrated academic growth on state assessments in English, and 97% either passed or improved on state tests in mathematics. More than 65% of Rosemont students are economically disadvantaged.“The story of Rosemont Elementary illustrates the power of building relationships between teachers, students and families in creating an environment for learning and student success,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “Because of the leadership of Principal Cari Hall — and the tireless efforts of Rosemont’s dedicated teaching and support staff — Rosemont students are overcoming the challenges of poverty and meeting the commonwealth’s high expectations for student achievement.”Washington-Lee Elementary was selected for closing achievement gaps between student groups. Last year, all student groups in the school performed at level one on school quality indicators for reading and mathematics. Overall, 96% of Washington-Lee students passed or improved in English, and 97% passed or improved in mathematics. Nearly 61% of Washington-Lee students are economically disadvantaged.“Washington-Lee’s five-year journey to becoming one of Virginia’s highest-performing elementary schools is truly inspiring,” Lane said. “Principal Faith Mabe and her team of passionate teachers and support staff have transformed the climate and culture of the school and created a learning community where children thrive and succeed as their academic, social-emotional and nutritional needs are addressed and met.” Both Rosemont and Washington-Lee have achieved state accreditation for two consecutive years. Both schools will be recognized during the National ESEA Conference, February 4-7, in Atlanta. Title I of ESEA provides funds to all of Virginia’s school divisions for supplemental educational support to eligible schools. The focus of this program is to raise the achievement level of students at risk of academic failure because of poverty and other factors. # # #