Parsons schools honored with Kansas Challenge awards

PARSONS, Kan. (KOAM) -- Two Parsons USD 503 schools receive Kansas Challenge Awards for student performance on the 2023 Kansas State Assessments in math and reading.

Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) says the awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population. Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,800 awards have been presented to schools across the state.

"We are pleased to award your district for outstanding achievements and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas math and reading assessment results, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates and the socioeconomic status of those taking the test," Kansas State Department of Education Commissioner Randy Watson said in a letter to the district. "The Challenge Awards are a celebration of the great work schools are doing and remind us to continue pushing forward to improve student academic performance and narrow the gap between all our subgroups. The schools being honored this year are doing an exceptional job in these areas."

According to Colleen Williamson, Director of Public Relations of USD 503, Garfield Elementary and Guthridge Elementary Schools were both honored.

"Receiving the Challenge Award is always an honor." Garfield Instructional Coach Robin McCleary said. "Learning about it now, during our end-of-the-year assessment time, is even more reason for our teachers to continue to encourage students to achieve their academic goals, show everyone what they've learned, and "Level Up!"

Garfield Principal, Barney Pontious says Garfield has been the recipient of several Challenge Awards throughout the past decade.

"Overcoming obstacles to learning is what we do. Throughout staff changes, pandemic conditions, and many other changes in our society, we continue to hold high expectations for our students and staff," Pontious said. "We, at Garfield, feel that it is very important to remember that these awards do not simply reflect the work of Garfield's third grade teachers. While we do have an outstanding team of teachers here at Garfield, we could not be successful without the efforts of many people including our district staff, and our partners at the other USD 503 elementary schools. Our Lincoln teachers from preschool through first grade lay a foundation that is expanded on by our wonderful 2nd grade faculty here at Garfield. That is when our amazing third grade team takes over and pushes us over the top."

Guthridge Principal, Kurt Friess says an example of changes Guthridge made last year to make student successful was giving classroom teachers additional collaboration time to focus on math.

"I am so proud of the hard work our students and staff put in last year. Our Instructional Coach Mrs. Piva and our classroom teachers really work hard to help our students show academic growth," Friess said.

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