By Andrea Lannom
Register-Herald Reporter
—
Excitedly anticipating their name to be called, fourth- and fifth-graders of Bradley Elementary were on the edge of their seats during Friday’s WESTEST achievement ceremony.
Out of 200 students, 45 reached above mastery in one or more of the categories: math, reading, science and social studies. A total of 15 hit distinguished in one or more category.
With the state raising the cut-off to reach above mastery and distinguished on the WESTEST, school Principal Sandra Sheatsley said it was much harder for the students to reach those levels of achievement.
“Those of you who reached above mastery this year would have been distinguished last year and those who reached distinguished would have been off the charts,” Sheatsley said.
“But who helped you reach your goals?” she asked.
“Teachers!” students shouted in unison.
Sheatsley agreed and once again asked, “Who else?”
After a brief pause, students shouted, “Our parents!”
As certificates and trophies were handed out, screams and cheers flooded the gymnasium as children exchanged hugs with their friends, family and teachers. Counselor George McMurray said he was proud and agreed with the students’ responses that teachers and parents, along with the students themselves, deserved the credit.
“We are very proud of our students because they did so well even with the fact that it’s more difficult to achieve,” McMurray said. “There has been so much support from the home and especially from our staff. I think it reflects well on our students and our teachers.”
Fourth-grader Kaylee Pra-ter managed to hit distinguished in all four categories. Prater says even though McMurray had told her about her achievement, she was still surprised when her name was called.
“I knew it was coming, but I was still surprised and nervous,” she said. “I’m very proud. It was a lot of studying, but it was worth it.”
