Orting High School Earns Washington Achievement Award

Orting High School is a recipient of the 2011 Washington Achievement Award. The school received Special Recognition in the following categories: Extended Graduation Rate, Improvement, and Closing the Achievement Gaps.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education created the Washington Achievement Award to celebrate top-performing schools and to recognize achievement in multiple categories. This highly selective award is based on the school’s performance according to the Washington Achievement Index, a comprehensive measurement of how schools in Washington are performing over time. Elementary, middle, high and comprehensive schools are eligible for the awards in seven different categories: overall excellence, language arts, math, science, extended graduation rate (high and comprehensive schools only), improvement and closing achievement gaps.

Orting Superintendent Michelle Curry recognized the incredible effort students, educators, administrators and families at Orting High School are putting into making the school the very best it can be. “During a time of decreased funding and significant budget cuts, it is impressive to see the tremendous gains the Cardinals have made. This is due to dedicated staff helping students learn and grow at all levels – academically, socially, and emotionally,” she said.

“Education is a priority for our community, our state and our nation,” Superintendent Curry continued.

“Making sure that every student achieves academic success will take a broad-based effort. Schools can’t do it alone; we are grateful for the partnership with our parents and the community.”

The State Superintendent and State Board of Education also acknowledged that schools need a reliable and fair tool to help make sense of assessment data and align those data with state and national priorities. By showcasing the most successful schools in the state, the Washington Achievement Award highlights some of the best educational practices and strategies that are increasing student achievement.

Orting High School will join other schools across the state in being honored at an awards ceremony hosted by Mariner High School in Everett on April 25.