USD 480 Staff Accepts Challenge Award

McDermott Elementary, Cottonwood Intermediate, and Liberal High School Receives 2013 Challenge Award in Recognition of Student Achievement

McDermott, Cottonwood, and Liberal High School faculty members were honored to accept the Governor�??s Challenge Award at a special ceremony in Junction City. The award recognizes performance on state assessments in reading and/or mathematics. According to the Kansas State Department of Education website, �??The Challenge Awards recognize schools that provide tangible proof of the long-held contention that all children can learn.�?� The schools were recognized for their scores on the Kansas State Assessment given in the Spring 2013. McDermott was honored for 3rd grade reading, Cottonwood was honored for 6th grade math, and Liberal High School was honored for 11th grade reading.

Staff from McDermott and Cottonwood accepted the Certificates of Merit in Junction City. From McDermott were Principal, Kathy Fitzgerald, and teachers, Rosa Martin, Gloria Willimon, Geraldine Binns, and Cindi Lyddon. Attending from Cottonwood were Principal, Donna Sill, and teachers, Sarah Gonzales, Lyn Day, and Rachel Kieft. Pictured with staff members is Sally Cauble, KS State Board of Education member.