Larchwood P.S. recognized for achievement in reading, writing and math

Larchwood Public School has received the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement Award from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). The award, presented at a special celebration in Toronto on November 8, 2010, recognizes the school’s efforts at improving student achievement in reading, writing and math. Award ceremony participants included, front row, from left, Natalie Miller, Grade 3/4 teacher; Dr. Bette M. Stephenson; Susan Cousineau; past Principal of Larchwood Public School; and back row, from left, Marguerite Jackson, EQAO’s Chief Executive Officer; Karen Garbutt, Special Education Resource Teacher; Corry Allair, School Council Chair; Donna Deslauriers, School Council Vice-Chair; and Dr. Brian L. Desbiens, Chair of EQAO’s Board of Directors.

Larchwood Public School has received the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement Award from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). The award, presented at a special celebration in Toronto on November 8, 2010, recognizes the school’s efforts at improving student achievement in reading, writing and math.

“Larchwood Public School’s success story was recently profiled in EQAO’s Provincial Report, which is shared with schools across Ontario,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “The entire school community – including students, teachers, administrators and parents – are to be commended for these impressive gains.”

EQAO assessments, administered in Grade 3 and Grade 6, provide a measure of how well students understand the expectations outlined in The Ontario Curriculum. Student assessment is most effective when data is interpreted in context, examined over time to determine trends in performance, and used to inform professional dialogue and school improvement planning.

“In Rainbow Schools, EQAO assessment results are used to enhance student learning,” said Director Blaseg. “The data helps us determine areas of focus in literacy and numeracy for school and board improvement planning by answering two important questions: How are we doing? and What can we do next to improve student learning?”

Larchwood Public School has demonstrated continuous growth in its primary and junior EQAO results in reading, writing and math. In recent years, the school’s results have consistently been above the provincial average. “EQAO helps us to find our focus,” said Susan Cousineau, who served as Principal of Larchwood Public School for the past three years. “In-depth analysis helps us to establish both our goals and clear criteria for student learning.”

She added: “Larchwood Public School is all about teacher collaboration. Student work drives instruction. We believe that all students can grow and succeed. Teachers are committed to a learning culture. They work humbly and don’t recognize their impact.”

Located in Dowling, Larchwood Public School has a current enrolment of 122 students in JK to Grade 8. New Principal Trevor Dewit says he looks forward to working with students, staff and parents to build on the school’s success in reading, writing and math. “We continue to use the data to inform our instructional practices and look for innovative ways to engage students and parents in the process,” he said. “We recognize the importance of instilling strong literacy and numeracy skills in students, the foundation for all learning.”   

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.