Tahoma Elementary School was celebrated by the State Board of Education during its School Recognition Week April 27-May 1. Each of the 391 school buildings selected for recognition was highlighted for a specific category; for TES, the accomplishment is in the area of growth for students who qualify for free and reduced price meals.
“The TES staff has worked for two and a half years to at once tend to all the things required in building a brand new school community while also not being anything but a step ahead of providing a rich academic experience for our students,” Principal Jerry Gaston said. “Our singular priority goal focus has been to accelerate the academic and social-emotional growth of the students we serve. We have fulfilled this by being deeply committed to being innovators and to collaborating.”
“We have together acknowledged that the heart of our work is to intensely know and focus on every student as an individual,” Gaston continued. “This has helped us to provide just what each student uniquely needs, as is reflected in our staff receiving this recognition.”
The recognition program is based on state level and local information, and is intended to highlight positive systems changes in schools around the state.
“Washington schools are inspiring. With these awards we recognize the outstanding efforts of our schools and their positive impact on students,” Washington State Board of Education Chair Peter Maier said in a press release. “The State Board, OSPI, and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee are excited to celebrate the diverse educational communities that support Washington’s ever-changing K-12 student population. Thank you to our state’s schools and educators for your dedication to students!”
The program was designed by the State Board of Education, along with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee. The state Legislature also acknowledges next week as Washington School Recognition Week.
“We are so proud of the staff at our historic school, and their dedication to ensuring growth for all of our students,” said Mike Hanson, incoming superintendent. “Mr. Gaston and the team model a true understanding of focusing on our students’ needs and working tirelessly to make sure they are being met. Thank you to all the Cubs!”
To read more about the awards, or to view the full list of school buildings recognized statewide, click here: https://sbe.wa.gov/news/state-celebrates-schools-during-school-recognition-week
Congratulations to Tahoma Elementary and each other school celebrated during #WASchoolsWeek!
This article appeared in Friday’s issue of the district newsletter. For more news from our schools, click here: bit.ly/TSDtahomaMatters24april2020.
