The Newark City School District and three schools were awarded the inaugural Momentum Award by the Ohio Board of Education. Carson Elementary, Legend Elementary and Heritage Middle School joined the district in receiving the designation.
The award is given to districts and schools that received straight A’s on every value-added measure included in state report carts. Statewide, only 165 schools — or about 4 percent — received the Momentum Award.
“For your students, you are keeping the learning momentum high,” State Board of Education President Thomas Gunlock wrote in a letter to the district. “As one of the first winners of this award, you are part of an elite group of districts that are supporting the academic growth of students from every background and ability level.”
In order to receive high marks in value-added, our students must achieve above a full year’s expected growth from one year to the next in reading and in math.
It is thanks to a hard-working and caring staff, community partners, great students and parental support that the school district received this designation.
“We are proud of our students,” Superintendent Doug Ute said, “and of our staff members, who believe that every student can learn, no matter their background.”