Principal Kim Thompson accepted a plaque Friday from the State of California honoring Isaac Newton Graham Middle School as a 2013 Distinguished School.
Selected as one of 218 recipients, Graham Middle School—one of two middle schools in the Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD)—received the recognition for its academic excellence and effort in narrowing the achievement gap.
But to achieve this academic award, Thompson credited the focus on the school's essential elements, which at Graham includes "Taking Pride, Pursuing Knowledge, 'I belong,' 'Together We Can' and 'Do No Harm.'"
"It's a great honor because it's was a village effort and not just one person's," Thompson said. "It was three years of hard work to change the climate."
The change in school climate helped Graham increase its overall Academic Performance Index (API) by 65 points from 815 in 2011 to 848 in 2012, according to the MVWSD.
The API for Latinos, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and English learners improved by 53 points, 63 points, and 50 points, the school district pointed out.
With the essential elements, Thompson explained, "Everyone is building towards a common goal." By everyone she meant parents, teachers, administrators and of course the children.
"This award appropriately recognizes Graham Middle School for its commitment to the success of every child," District Superintendent Craig Goldman said. "We are extremely proud of Graham’s students, staff, and community and all they have accomplished."
Thompson and Graham were recognized at a regional ceremony at the Santa Clara Marriott on Friday, May 17. Assistant Principal Steve Chesley, and representatives of Graham’s staff will accept the award from State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson.
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