LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—Summit Environmental School is one of 132 schools that received the Wisconsin Recognition Award.
It's an award that recognizes a schools success in educating students from low income families.
Summit is recognized for working with students in first grade, who struggle with reading, to give them a double dose of the class.
Summit gives all students a half hour intervention each day so they can get the extra help they need or give students who are ahead extended learning opportunities.
They also have an after school program three days a week for students who need extra help in math and reading.
Dirk Hunter, Summit Environmental School Principal said it's an honor to be the only school in the La Crosse School District to get the award.
"I'm very proud of the work of our staff," Hunter said. "I think it shows our dedication to their work and their understanding of how important it is to differentiate instruction for all kids."
The schools receiving awards have some of the highest poverty rates in the state based on free and reduced-price school lunch data. Student achievement in reading and mathematics was above average for schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations, and poverty levels. All award-winning schools receive federal Title I funding to provide services to high numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged children.
"Congratulations on a strong start to the 2012-13 school year," State Superintendent Tony Evers said. "These schools are being recognized for their work to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement through rigorous programming and attention to student needs. Their efforts align with our Agenda 2017 goals: to improve graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and close college and career readiness gaps."
Schools meeting all criteria will receive a plaque at an Oct. 2 awards ceremony at the State Capitol and $1,000 for use by the school.
During the awards ceremony, eight schools will receive flags for earning the Wisconsin School of Recognition award for five consecutive years.
Another 20 schools have received the award for more than five years; one school — Marengo Valley School in the Ashland School District — has earned the award for all 10 years of the program.
This year's 132 Wisconsin School of Recognition Award recipients include 99 elementary schools, 25 middle or junior high schools, and eight high schools.
"The staff and administration of these schools are committed to forging partnerships among teachers, parents, administrators, other school staff members, and the community to create an educational environment that supports children's learning," Evers said. "They understand the importance of working together to ensure that every child graduates ready for college and careers."
