Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Division of Federal Programs honors the top five percent of performing Title I schools in Pennsylvania. This year, Willow Hill Elementary School was selected as one of 168 schools as a “2017 Distinguished Title I School.”
Last spring, Willow Hill was designated as a “2015-2016 Title I Reward for High Progress School.” This placed Willow Hill in the highest five percent of Title I schools in the state, based on aggregate progress in closing the achievement gap in reading and mathematics for PSSA combined for the All Student group and for the Historically Under performing Student group. In addition, to achieve this designation, Willow Hill met all four Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) that included: test participation for all students, attendance rate for all students, closing the achievement gap in mathematics and reading for all students, and closing the achievement gap in mathematics and reading for Historically Under performing students.
This week the Abington Board of School Directors recognized and honored the Willow Hill students, staff, Principal, Mr. Damon Jordan, and the administrative team for this accomplishment. Willow Hill will be honored as a “2017 Title I Distinguished School” at the Title I Improving Schools’ Performance Conference on January 30, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Additionally at the Conference, Dr. Sichel and Mr. Jordan will be presenting on our “Opportunities to Learn” Initiative with a specific focus on Willow Hill Elementary School.
Dr. Sichel and Mr. Jordan pose in the photo with students, staff, and parents at Willow Hill.