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Groveland celebrates awards |
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Wednesday, 28 October 2009 |
By KATIE HARRIS
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GROVELAND — “You are smarter than the average bear,” that’s the message Groveland Elementary Principal, J. Thayne had for students Tuesday, Oct. 27 in an assembly to celebrate their awards. 
The Idaho State Board of Education names four Distinguished Schools of the year based on student advancements on the Idaho Standard Achievement Tests (ISAT). Groveland Elementary won the award in two categories.
“There are only four named in the entire state of Idaho and two went to Groveland,” Thayne said. “One other went to Ridge Crest Elementary that is amazing. To have three of the four in the entire state come from the Blackfoot School District is incredibly impressive.”
Thayne was quick to give recognition to the parents of the students, the teachers and especially to Christine Silzly, who was the principal at Groveland Elementary last year, the period in which the tests for this award were taken. Silzly has changed jobs and is now the principal at Irving Kindergarten Center.
“Mrs. Silzly just did a great job. She was able to get the parents and teachers to really work together,” Thayne said. “We know that parent involvement is the key. But, you also need kids working hard and that is exactly what happened here at Groveland.”
The 267 Groveland students were treated to guest appearances by the Blackfoot High School football team, cheerleaders and broncadettes. BHS student body president, Hunter Phillips and Blackfoot Junior Miss, Paige Pearson addressed the students.
“I was able to compete in the Junior Miss program this year and a big reason is because I try to do good in school. I know that it is important,” said Pearson.
“You are making great strides here at Groveland,” said Phillips. “Keep doing exactly what you are doing here. You’ll become some of the best BHS has seen.”
Thayne told students they deserved more than cake at lunch for their reward. He offered each student one dollar worth of free tickets at their Halloween Carnival which will be held Friday, Oct. 30. Students will also enjoy an extra 15 minutes of recess today.
Pat Farmer, director of special education for the Blackfoot School District, offered congratulations to the students on behalf of Dr. Scott Crane.
“Dr. Crane is so proud of you and the hard work you have put in,” said Farmer. “Congratulations on a wonderful job. Be sure to pat yourselves on the back.”
The praise continued as Blackfoot trustee Bryce Lloyd told them “your parents tell you you’re special, you’re teachers tell you you’re special, now the State of Idaho has told you you’re special.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 29 October 2009 )
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