Greywolf makes the grade

Sequim’s Greywolf Elementary School received the Washington Achievement Award at a ceremony in Union Gap on May 10. Greywolf staffers on hand to accept the award include, from left, teachers Chris Stevens, Alex Ogilvie, Jennifer Lopez and Cathy Green, principal Donna Hudson and secretary Tricia Stratton.

The Washington Achievement Award, given on behalf of the state via the Washington State Board of Education, is based on the Washington Achievement Index. Schools must meet the 95 percent participation rate on state tests to be eligible. Schools are recognized in seven categories: overall excellence, high progress, English/language arts growth, math growth, extended graduation rate (if applicable), English language acquisition and achievement gap.

Donna Hudson, principal at Greywolf Elementary, credits this record of success to focus given to several efforts in recent years, including Wolf Den and Read Right programs, changes to the master school schedule, school-wide behavior expectations and support, recognition assemblies and new math and language arts curricula.

“The selection process for the Washington Achievement Award is very rigorous and all of us take great pride in this accomplishment,” Hudson said.

Dr. Ann Renker, Sequim School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, said, “Greywolf Elementary staff continue to have a perspective that centers on what they can do to continuously improve student success. Earning a Washington Achievement Award for consecutive years demonstrates the commitment of its staff, students and parents/guardians to increasing positive outcomes for all students in an atmosphere of collaborated focus on student learning.”

To read more about the Washington Achievement Awards, see www.k12.wa.us/default.aspx and look under “258 Schools Win State’s Highest Honor.”