HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two USD 308 elementary schools have received Challenge Awards in recognition of making progress on student achievement despite challenges in their school population.
Faris Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School have been named Challenge Award winners for 2022 by The Confidence in Education Task Force. The Challenge Awards are based on state assessments in schools with high percentages of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than 1,700 awards have been presented to schools across Kansas since 2002.
"Lincoln is excited to be receiving one of the Challenge Awards. This award means so much to us because it indicates how resilient we are as a community,” Darla Fisher, principal of Lincoln Elementary School, said. “During the pandemic, our students, staff and families have supported one another through the ever-changing learning environments. Even when are we faced with challenges and hardships, we persevere so that our students will continue to learn," Fisher said.
Faris and Lincoln are among the top 100 Kansas schools for 2022 that meet certain criteria on the Kansas math and reading state assessments and also have above the state average of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch.
"Faris Elementary is honored to be receiving one of this year's Challenge Awards from KSDE's Confidence in Education Task Force. This award is not about any one person or any one group,” James Moffett, principal at Faris Elementary School, said. “This award highlights our students' hard work, our staff's commitment and the support of the Hutchinson community. Together each of these groups show up day after day to do what's best for kids. As a principal, it's amazing to see these groups recognized for all they do," Moffett said.
The awards showcase the positive academic achievements of the students at both Faris and Lincoln elementary schools. They also serve as motivation as schools enter this year’s state testing season.
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