Photo by Ryan Ottney | Daily Times

East Portsmouth Elementary has been identified a “School of Honor” by the Ohio Department of Education. The school board thanked teachers and staff with a special luncheon on Friday. Pictured, left to right, are Portsmouth School Board President Clarence Parker, East Portsmouth Elementary Principal Kristi Toppins and Superintendent Scott Dutey.

slideshow

Ryan Scott Ottney

PDT Staff Writer

SCIOTOVILLE — The Portsmouth City School Board rewarded faculty and staff of East Portsmouth Elementary School with a special luncheon on Friday, for earning the “High Progress School of Honor” designation from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Only 90 schools in the state of Ohio have received this title.

According to a letter sent to Elementary Principal Kristi Toppins, the department established the High Performing Schools of Honor and High Progress Schools of Honor programs this year to recognize Ohio schools that have sustained or increased student achievement over time in reading, math and graduation rates, while serving many disadvantaged students.

Results were measured on the schools 2011-12 Local Report Card issued by the Ohio Department of Education.

“What your school has done to serve students from all backgrounds is working, and I urge you to share your strategies with other Ohio schools. The department plans to spotlight your school as an outstanding example of what is possible when students, educators, parents and community members come together and believe that students can succeed,” wrote Dr. Richard Ross, superintendent of public instruction for the state of Ohio, in his letter to East Portsmouth Elementary.

Portsmouth Superintendent Scott Dutey and members of the Portsmouth City School Board of Education thanked the teachers and staff of East Portsmouth Elementary with a special luncheon at the school Friday.

“The ODE is recognizing schools that overcome lots of challenges, and this school certainly does that. When you think about the number of students that we have that are on low socioeconomic, free- and reduced-lunch totals, and also with our special-ed population, all those things come in together. So to receive this type of award recognizes the achievement of those students,” Dutey said.

He gave credit to Principal Toppins and the teaching staff at East Portsmouth Elementary School.

“My staff has worked very, very hard to reach ever student and take them to their fullest potential, so we feel all of our hard work has paid off by receiving this honor,” Toppins said.

The school will receive a School of Honor banner from the Ohio Department of Education.

Ryan Scott Ottney may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 287, or rottney@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Ryan on Twitter @PDTwriter.