Jasper Elementary rises to the top of over 900 schools

Jasper Elementary School earned a significant honor on Friday, as they were chosen as one of the top five finalists for ESEA Distinguished Schools out of more than 900 schools.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators has been highlighting examples of superior Title I school programs for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program since 1996. Their state Department of Education selects schools based on their ability to demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success and strong partnerships between the school, parents and the community.

Being chosen as one of the top five ESEA Distinguished Schools is based on information from the 2022-2023 school year. The criteria is based on student behavior, attendance and academic outcomes. Data is inserted into an algorithm to determine well-roundedness among the schools. This data, along with a site visit, is what gave JES the honor.

JES staff began Friday morning by having a breakfast for staff. During the breakfast, Principal Kent Taylor read the announcement from Gina Romano with the Department of Education to the staff.

Afterward, all Jasper Elementary School students and staff went to the gym, where the news was delivered to the students.

“I wanted you to know what all your focus, hard work and dedication has yielded for our school and the community of Jasper,” Mr. Taylor commented. “It is an honor to be associated with such wonderful educators and students. I salute everyone for making our school the cleanest, safest, friendliest, and most accomplished it has ever been. I look even further to the future as we continue to become better each day.”

It was a wonderful morning, with many excited students and staff members being recognized for their hard work.

“Enjoy the moment. You all deserve this,” Mr. Taylor added.

JES is invited to showcase their accomplishments at the upcoming TitleCon event, which will be held in April 2024.