"Isn’t it great to be a winner? That’s what it’s all about. Everyone here today represents an opportunity that has been grasped and a goal that has been attained," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said.
The first-ever "Strive HI" Awards ceremony honored 32 schools that showed extraordinary achievement, or rank in the top five percent in the state for math or reading growth.
One of the schools that showed the most improvement was King Intermediate.
Along with Hilo Intermediate School and Moanalua Middle School, King Intermediate earned the highest award of $100,000 for growth that takes them off of two years of supervision under the No Child Left Behind policy.
King Intermediate teachers say the success is thanks to students adapting to new teaching styles.
"Without your help, your support, our school wouldn’t be where it is today. You have studied hard, you’ve followed directions. You’ve even questioned why are we learning math and PE," King Intermediate School Principal Sheena Alaiasa said.
The money will go toward student programs and training programs for teachers.
Next year the "Strive HI" awards will be based on new state standards for student success.
The following schools earned the highest single awards of $100,000 for exiting “restructuring” — a sanction under the No Child Left Behind law — by meeting annual progress goals for two consecutive years:
- Hilo Intermediate School
- King Intermediate School
- Moanalua Middle School
- Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School (Oahu)
- Waters of Life Public Charter School (Hawaii Island)
Awards of $50,000 were given to two elementary schools exiting restructuring, Benjamin Parker and Nanakuli.
Schools receiving $12,500 each include:
- Aliamanu Elementary (Math)
- Haaheo Elementary (Math)
- Haleiwa Elementary (Reading)
- Hokulani Elementary (Reading)
- James Campbell High (Math)
- Kahakai Elementary (Math)
- Kanoelani Elementary (Math)
- Kanuikapono Learning Center Public Charter School (Reading)
- Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (Reading)
- Keaau Middle (Math)
- Kealakehe High (Math)
- Kilohana Elementary (Math)
- King William Lunalilo Elementary (Math)
- Kohala High (Reading)
- Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue (Reading)
- Lanakila Elementary (Math)
- Manoa Elementary (Reading)
- Maunawili Elementary (Reading)
- Pahoa High & Intermediate (Math)
- Red Hill Elementary (Reading)
- William P. Jarrett Middle (Reading)
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
