Four schools in West Haven have been recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education based on recently released testing results for the 2018-19 school year. Alma E. Pagels Elementary, Forest Elementary, Seth Haley Elementary, and Savin Rock Community School were cited as Schools of Distinction in mathematics. Pagels and Haley were also named Schools of Distinction status in the area of Language Arts. In addition, students at Carrigan Intermediate, Bailey Middle School and West Haven High School also achieved high marks on the Next Generation Science Assessment.
While this isn’t the first time that schools in West Haven earned praise from the Department of Education, it is important to note that there is no achievement gap in any of the District’s nine schools. In recent years, Forest and Mackrille Elementary achieved Blue Ribbon Status from the Federal Government as well. When examining West Haven’s scores to those in their District Reference Group, West Haven was at the top in most categories.
District administration credits the growth to ongoing curriculum changes and focused teacher training. A conscious effort has been to expand academic opportunities for all students and their families both during and after school. “We believe that all students can learn, and have high expectations for everyone who enters our schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro.
Dr. Anne Druzolowski, the District’s Assistant Superintendent in charge of Curriculum, stated, “We know our students have been making great strides, based on our own assessments and students’ classroom work. The state’s Next Generation of Accountability Report is further validation that the resources we have put into place will continue providing West Haven’s youngsters with an education that sets them up for a successful and fulfilling future while in school and after graduation.” She added, “This is a testament to the work ethic and commitment to education demonstrated by both our teachers and students. We also congratulate our four Schools of Distinction for earning special acknowledgement from the state.”
At its last regular meeting on Monday, March 2nd, the Superintendent also congratulated Dr. Druzolowski, administrators, teachers, and other support staff for their hard work and efforts. Upon listening to the report, the Board of Education offered their congratulations, and gave those educators in attendance a standing ovation.