Liberty Elementary recognized for academic success

For two straight years, Liberty Elementary has been recognized as an academically high performing Title I school.

However, state Title I coordinator Ann White said it’s more than that.

“Historically, Liberty had lower average scores, so not only is this a recognition for a school that is doing well, but they also are performing well academically compared to all schools,” she said.

White said the award shows Liberty students have met or exceeded the state average of adequate yearly progress in language arts and math for the past two years.

In a Utah State Office of Education media release, it said that schools with higher poverty levels face challenges in educating students, and that those who have met high levels of achievement and are closing the learning gap despite these challenges are to be commended.

Liberty, which serves about 390 students, has also achieved at or above the state average in language arts and mathematics on the yearly criterion referenced test exams.

Murray School District Superintendent Steve Hirase nominated the school for the award. Liberty was one of 58 schools statewide to receive the award.

In his nomination letter, Hirase wrote that dramatic improvements have been made during the past five or six years in areas of literacy and mathematics.

“This has been achieved by the staff’s commitment to regularly monitor student progress and provide scientifically research-based interventions that tie directly to the students’ learning difficulties,” he wrote.

In early November, Hirase presented the school with a framed certificate.

“Teachers and staff have worked hard to improve and focus on student achievement,” Principal Darren Dean said. “This is just icing on the cake.”