School awarded Commendation status for narrowing proficiency gaps for high needs students
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray visited the Brooks Elementary School Thursday to congratulate students and staff for being selected as a Commendation School. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor recognized the school’s success in improving student achievement and discussed the Administration?s strategy for closing achievement gaps.
“All students deserve an equal opportunity to achieve academic excellence and our Administration recognizes the continued progress at Brooks Elementary School,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “As we continue to implement education reform, all 127 recognized Commendation Schools in Massachusetts are making great strides to help close the achievement gap and improve the state’s public education system.”
Brooks Elementary School is one of 127 Commendation Schools statewide honored for its success by the Patrick-Murray Administration for narrowing proficiency gaps and helping all students succeed on the 2011 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) examinations.
In 2011, the percentage of 5th graders performing proficient or higher in Math increased by 21 percentage points to 62 percent from 2010; the percentage of 5th graders performing proficient or higher in English-Language-Arts (ELA) increased by 17 percentage points to 74 percent; and the percentage of 5th graders performing proficient or higher on the Science, Technology and Engineering assessment increased by 12 percentage points to 64 percent.
“Closing the achievement gap and creating real educational opportunities for every student across the Commonwealth is one of my highest priorities,” said State Representative Sean Garballey. “I congratulate the Brooks Elementary School in my district for being selected as a Commendation School and for providing opportunities for students in Medford.”
“I am pleased that Lieutenant Governor Murray is recognizing the success of our students and teachers of Medford today,” said Representative Carl Sciortino.
To learn more about the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Gateway Cities Education Agenda visit www.ma.gov/edu/gatewaycities.
Mayor Michael McGlynn watches as Lt. Gov. Murray presents the school commendation certificate to Principal Michael Simon.
Lt. Gov. Murray addressed students in the cafeteria before presenting the commendation to Mr. Simon.
A visit to the first grade class of Melissa Jeffrey.
Lt. Gov. Murray dropped by Ms. O’Leary’s grade 5 class. He is with Principal Michael Simon and Director of Elementary Education and Assistant Superintendent Diane Caldwell, State Rep Sean Garballey, and City Councilor Rick Caraviello.
Fifth grade teacher Ellie O’Leary is interviewed by Fox 25 and Channel 5 news.
A visit to the school library.
Lt. Gov. Murray met students in Michael Allen’s fifth grade class. He is pictured with Brooks principal Michael Simon (left) and School Committee member Robert Skerry, Rep Garballey, and the Mayor.
A visit to the school gym.
Fox 25 gets video of students in Josie Penza’s physical education class.
Lt. Governor Murray spoke at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon after his visit to the Brooks School. He announced the state will provide $2 million for a new parking garage on Governors Avenue. The money is conditional upon City Council approval of the parking garage project. Photo courtesy Chamber of Commerce.
