WEST HAVEN, Conn. – Washington Elementary School and Savin Rock Community School have been named Schools of Distinction for the 2021-22 school year.
Connecticut schools are named Schools of Distinction when their performance and/or growth, as measured by the Connecticut Next Generation Accountability System, places them within the top 10 percent of all schools across the state.
“I couldn’t be more proud to share this honor with my staff, students, and our families!” said Washington Principal Alicia Limosani. “We have worked very hard over the past year. We have taken the time to get to know our students’ social and emotional needs so that we can better meet their academic needs. From there, we carefully looked over student data from former SBA testing, along with NWEA data, FAs, CAs, and so much more in our Data Teams.
“We created fluid Math SRBI groups and Daily Five Groups to provide remediation and enrichment. We had model lessons from our Reading and Math teams to help our teachers become more proficient with their curriculum as well as learning new strategies to help our students. We celebrated student success with monthly ‘All Schools’ highlighting good character and good work habits.
Limosani continued, “above all, we prided ourselves on making sure we kept open lines of communication with our families so that we could give our students the best possible education. We believe if we, ‘Do good, we get good’ and this award shows how much good we’ve done and what we will continue to do.”
Washington was recognized on High Growth for all students in Math, and High Growth for high needs students in Math, while Savin Rock was recognized on High Growth for all students in English Language Arts and Math, and High Growth for high needs students in English Language Arts and Math.
“It is an absolute honor to be recognized by the state as a School of Distinction for the 2021-2022 school year,” said Savin Rock Principal Joe Lucibello. “Our focus last year was on academics, social and emotional learning, and creating a welcoming environment for students and parents. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Savin Rock staff who continue to work on student progress and achievement every day.
“I am so proud to work with such a great staff and this award is well deserved. On behalf of our school community, I would like to congratulate the staff on a job well done.”
Based on a Category 1-to-5, with 1 being the highest category, Savin Rock and Washington are Category 2 schools, as well as Edith E. Mackrille Elementary School.
“To attain these accomplishments, it is certainly a tribute to the teachers, support personnel, administrators, and the belief that all students can achieve,” said Assistant Superintendent Judith Drenzek. “As a district, we will continue to support services that benefit all students, expand on academic opportunities for all students and families, and offer our staff the professional development that continues to align with our district and school goals.”
Limosani and Lucibello were both in their first year as principals during the 2021-22 school year.