Local Schools Receive Six Challenge Awards

Arkansas City Middle School and Frances Willard Elementary both received Challenge Awards from the Confidence in Public Education Task Force as a result of the 2012 Kansas Assessments.
 
ACMS received Challenge Awards in both 7th and 8th grade math and in 7th and 8th grade reading while Frances Willard earned the awards in both 4th grade math and reading.
   
The Challenge Awards are designed to recognize Kansas schools that are making a significant difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in school population. According to the Task Force’s website, this award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on Kansas Assessment results.
 
 ACMS Principal Will Pfannenstiel said the awards are the result of the hard work of their students and the caring and dedication of their teaching staff and support personnel.
 
“At ACMS we have teachers and support staff that are truly interested in the success of our students and work to encourage students to exceed their expectations,” he said.
 
Frances Willard Principal Amy Jones was honored to receive Challenge Awards again this year and also noted the success was based on the hard work of the entire school community.
 
“Our students succeed because of a joint effort between parents, teachers, and administration.  I am proud to say that everyone at Frances Willard cares about the personal and academic success of each student and we strive to provide the best possible learning environment every day for every child,” she said.
 
Both schools will be honored at a banquet on November 14 in Junction City, Kan.