Naselle students earn test honors

Naselle’s students won a coveted honor from education officials in Washington D.C. last week, but new state graduation requirements for math will place pressure on students to continue their quest for academic excellence.

Last week the Department of Education lauded Naselle Junior-Senior High School for “dramatic improvements” on test scores among students from disadvantaged homes and ranking above the 90th percentile of schools nationwide, performance that placed it among the 314 public and private schools awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon School recognition.

The board was pleased and impressed with the school’s accomplishment, said Board Chair Deanna Gjovik as Superintendent Rick Pass announced the honor at a recent board meeting.

In a taped message, Congressman Brian Baird hailed the achievement and said he hopes to congratulate Principal Karen Wirkkala and Assistant Principal Jon Tienhaara in person when they travel to Washington, D.C. in November to receive the award.

In an interview with The Eagle, Wirkkala was quick to attribute gains in student achievement to the hard work of teachers. “We have great instructors who believe no child should be left behind,” said Wirkkala. She also credited her staff for providing “a safe environment conducive to learning.”

According to the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction office, “creating and maintaining a supportive learning environment is a pivotal aspect of successful school improvement efforts.”

Naselle is one of four schools in Washington to be recognized; the others are Colbert, Hunters, and Klickitat.

Despite their latest accolades, Naselle’s students can’t rest on their laurels. Beginning with this year’s incoming freshmen, the state now requires all students to complete three math credits including second year algebra or an equivalent career or technical education math course before graduation and to pass an assessment test to display their knowledge. The school board endorsed the new requirements.

“It’s a very high standard,” said newly appointed district superintendent Rick Pass regarding the second year algebra requirement. Pass pointed out that difficulty in meeting math standards is not a problem unique to Naselle, but rather a nationwide issue.

If the students step up, perhaps another award is in their future.