10/06/11 Riverside Intermediate School in Plymouth has been chosen as one of the top Title I schools in the state. Although Title I services are usually directed towards only elementary schools, the Plymouth system used  Title I stimulus money to expand up the program to the intermediate level only three years ago.

Title I allows schools to provide extra reading assistance and/or interventions to students who may be falling behind in reading at grade level.

According to Donna Burroughs, Riverside principal, schools with a 35 percent population of children qualifying for free and reduced services due to family income qualify for Title I funding. Burroughs said Riverside has gone from 40 percent to 60 percent of the students qualifying for free and reduced services in only three years.”

 

The state is now in the process of selecting the top two schools as Indiana’s Title I Distinguished Schools. Representatives from the two chosen will be recognized at the National Title I conference in Seattle, Washington in January.

 Mary Gardner, School Improvement and Turnaround Specialist, said,

“One school in Indiana will represent the state’s Title I schools that has exhibited exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years. Another school will be selected to represent the state’s Title I schools that has made the most progress in significantly closing the achievement gap.”

Riverside is being considered for exceptional student performance with 94 percent of students passing the ISTEP test.

Burroughs said, “We believe all children do and can learn.” She said the teachers at Riverside work closely together. “The teachers and aides here are willing to stay after school or work with students over their own lunch time.”

Burroughs said, “Our staff does not think of this as a job, but rather as a mission.” She also believes that everyone in the school has contributed to the success of Riverside. Boroughs said, “That includes administrators, teachers, secretaries, custodians, aides, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers.” She credits parents as well who volunteer their time with various activities, athletics, and classroom assistance.

Burroughs said, “This is really a celebration for the entire community. They have rallied around us and supported us.”

 

Carol Anders Correspondent