Nine Wicomico Elementary Schools Celebrated In Maryland School Recognition Program; 2012 MSA Testing March 13-14 And 20-21

Nine Wicomico County elementary schools are among the 454 schools the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) receiving recognition for the academic performance of their students.

MSDE has recognized 384 elementary and middle schools and 70 high schools statewide for their performance on the 2011 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA), and for improving the performance of special populations of students. Special populations are subgroups that include race/ethnicity, special education, limited English proficiency, and students who are receiving free or reduced price meals.

Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Student Services, said three schools, Delmar Elementary, North Salisbury Elementary and Northwestern Elementary, were recognized for both overall achievement and subgroup achievement. One school, Willards Elementary, was recognized for overall achievement. Five schools were recognized for subgroup achievement: Beaver Run Elementary, Fruitland Primary, Glen Avenue Elementary, West Salisbury Elementary and Westside Intermediate.

“We take great pride in the achievement of these outstanding schools recognized in the Maryland School Recognition Program,” Dr. Handy said. “They represent the excellent progress that all of our schools are making as they continue to strive to do the best that they can to ensure success for every student, every day.”

The recognition for 2011 MSA and HSA performance came as Maryland students in grades 3 through 8 prepare to begin the 2012 MSA testing. The Math MSA will be administered this Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Reading MSA on March 20 and 21. All students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and come to school on testing days ready to do their best.

A pep rally at 1:30 p.m. today will encourage Pittsville Elementary and Middle School students to give 100% and do their best on the MSA. Staff members and other supporters are asked to “bring your pompoms, your cow bells & your #1 foam fingers to cheer our students on as they take the Wildcat March of Champions” during the 2nd annual MSA Pep Rally. Other schools have also held pep rallies and similar events to encourage students to do their best.

As the 2012 MSA testing begins, the announcement of Maryland School Recognition Program honorees spotlights schools that are already seeing success in improving the performance of students.

“The School Recognition Program allows us to celebrate the remarkable work of educators and students as they meet the increasingly difficult academic standards,” said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. “Maryland schools were recognized as the nation’s best for the fourth straight year, and the effort put forth in the classroom is a primary factor for this success.”