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Media Advisory
Tuesday, May 19, 2009DOE Press Office
(850) 245-0413
Two Polk County Schools Honored for Outstanding Achievements
Two schools in Polk County were recognized by the Florida Department of Education during today’s State Board of Education meeting in Tampa for the incredible accomplishments.
Eastside Elementary, which has a student population of more than 57 percent who are economically disadvantaged, has made significant progress in closing the achievement gap between White and minority students for the last two years, was recognized as a Distinguished Title I School. Eastside has also maintained a state school grade of “A” for the last two years and has met stringent federal requirements known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years.
Rochelle School of the Arts was recognized for its exemplary achievement in the arts. In addition to maintaining AYP requirements and holding a state school grade of “A,” the Music Demonstration K-8 School has performed at Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Center, Detroit Tiger’s Fan Fest, all while earning superior performance ratings.
Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith says of the school:
“The students, teachers and administrators at these schools are showing not just our state, but also the nation, that educational excellence and quality do not have to be victims of challenge and that success is achievable in any learning environment. My heartfelt congratulations go out to each school and I look forward to seeing what else they can accomplish as we move forward.”