West Haven Schools Recognized For Outstanding Achievement

Four West Haven schools have been recognized by the state Department of Education for outstanding achievement, officials announced.

By Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff 

Mar 9, 2020 12:22 pm ET

WEST HAVEN, CT — Four West Haven schools have been recognized by the state Department of Education for "outstanding achievement" based on recently released testing results for the 2018-19 school year, officials announced.

Alma E. Pagels Elementary, Forest Elementary, Seth Haley Elementary and Savin Rock Community School were cited as Schools of Distinction in mathematics. Pagels and Haley were also named Schools of Distinction status in the area of Language Arts. In addition, students at Carrigan Intermediate, Bailey Middle School and West Haven High School also achieved high marks on the Next Generation Science Assessment, according to a news release.

Officials said that while this isn't the first time that schools in West Haven "earned praise from the Department of Education, it is important to note that there is no achievement gap in any of the District's nine schools." In recent years, Forest and Mackrille Elementary achieved Blue-Ribbon status from the federal government as well.

"When examining West Haven's scores to those in their District Reference Group, West Haven was at the top in most categories," according to the news release.

District administration credits the growth to "ongoing curriculum changes and focused teacher training. A conscious effort has been to expand academic opportunities for all students and their families both during and after school."

"We believe that all students can learn, and have high expectations for everyone who enters our schools," Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro said in a statement.

Dr. Anne Druzolowski, the district's assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum, said "We know our students have been making great strides, based on our own assessments and students' classroom work. The state's Next Generation of Accountability Report is further validation that the resources we have put into place will continue providing West Haven's youngsters with an education that sets them up for a successful and fulfilling future while in school and after graduation."

"This is a testament to the work ethic and commitment to education demonstrated by both our teachers and students. We also congratulate our four Schools of Distinction for earning special acknowledgement from the state."