COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (September 26, 2024) —Northern Heights Elementary School, part of Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS), was celebrated at the Indiana Statehouse for their reading proficiency scores.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner recognized schools where at least 95% of students demonstrated reading proficiency. Northern Heights Elementary School fourth grade class was celebrated with a reading literacy achievement of 97.5% on their IREAD assessment as third-grade students during the 2023-2024 school year.
Northern Heights Elementary Principal, Mrs. Michelle Burch, and teachers, Mrs. Mindy Gawthrop and Mrs. Lisa Kissinger, accepted the award on behalf of the school.
WCCS Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Seth Slater, also attended and said, “While there were nearly 300 schools across the state who met the 95% passing threshold, because of your collective efforts Northern Heights was highlighted as a top-tier school, referenced during the ceremony by Dr. Jenner, and has the honor of being celebrated in Dr. Jenner's weekly newsletter, which is shared with thousands of educators around the state, as well as being featured by the Indiana Public Broadcasting network.”
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent also echoed Northern Heights’ success.
“We congratulate the staff for their impressive achievements. The school community is incredibly proud and Northern Heights’ collaborative efforts have clearly made a significant difference for the children,” McDermott said.
The IREAD assessment is a state assessment given twice during the school year to second and third-grade students to identify intervention support they may need. The Indiana Department of Education has given the IREAD as the assessment for summative reading skills. Whitley County Consolidated Schools has used the Indiana Literacy Cadre to develop and implement collaborative curriculum based on a compilation of research on reading, reading development, and reading instruction.
“When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, one of the most important things we can do is teach them to read,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “The ability to read has an impact on students’ academic achievement, as well as their lifelong opportunities. While we must certainly continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal to ensure all students are reading by the end of third grade, today is about celebrating the impactful work of schools, educators, parents and families and communities across Indiana working together for students. Congratulations to all of the schools that hit our shared 95% goal, and let’s keep this positive momentum going for Indiana students!”
Whitley County Consolidated Schools is committed to creating opportunities for an engaged and prosperous future for all with engaging curriculum and academic excellence through dedicated educators and partnerships with our families and community.
“This success is because of our teachers and our students. The students work so hard and I’m so proud of their growth and abilities. We look forward to more success in the future as we continue to engage students in a learning environment that fits their needs,” said Mrs. Michelle Burch, Northern Heights Elementary Principal.
“Our statewide goal of achieving 95% reading proficiency among Indiana students is ever closer because of the work these schools have done and continue to do everyday,” Holcomb said. “Reading is foundational to all other educational and quality of life goals we set as a state, and I want to commend the educators at each of the schools honored today for their commitment to a brighter future for our students and the state of Indiana.”
For more information about WCCS and its programs visit wccsonline.com.
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About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at [www.wccsonline.com](https://www.wccsonline.com).
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director
