Orchard Middle School receives 2009 Great Schools Award

Orchard Middle School has been named a “School of Distinction 2009,” and is being given a “2009 Great Schools Award.” Orchard is one of the 5% highest improving schools at the middle school / junior high grade level in the state of Washington.

The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) along with Phi Delta Kappa Washington State sponsors the award. The Center focuses on action research, data analysis and support for the school improvement planning process. In the award letter, the Center’s Sue Mills and Greg Lodbell wrote, “Your school, over the past 7 years has demonstrated exemplary improvement in student achievement as measured by the WASL [Washington Assessment of Student Learning].”

“The award is an affirmation of the Orchard Middle School staff’s tireless efforts,” says Orchard principal Mike Hopkins. “A few years ago we identified our mission as “Learning for All - Whatever it Takes.”  It’s a simple mission statement to remember, but not so simple to achieve. As a staff, we have worked hard to create a safe and caring school that respects and challenges all students to do their best.”

Representatives from The Center and Phi Delta Kappa Washington State will present Orchard with the award on September 26, 2009 at an awards luncheon at City University, Seattle’s Renton campus. The luncheon will be part of an Institute that will include presentations and workshops focusing on the question, “Schools of Distinction: What can we learn?”

In response to the award Hopkins wrote, “At Orchard, we are in the midst of a tenuous journey that has required both joint will and ever expanding personal capacity. We have not arrived but we are on the road. I’m proud to be associated with Orchard Middle School’s students and staff. “

For more information on the Great Schools award see the NCW school make it onto the 'A" list in the Wenatchee World.