Elementary school lauded

For the school’s progress concerning graduation rates, grades and student performance, Vermilion Elementary School, 1285 Douglas St. in Vermilion, was named one of the recipients for the 2018 High Progress School of Honor by the Ohio Department of Education.

The school was one of 66 to receive the High Progress award.

“It feels great that we’re recognized for that,” said Bonnie Meyer, principal of Vermilion Elementary. “It’s nice to be recognized that we are making progress.”

“Obviously, we’re proud of the hard work and recognition for everyone involved,” said Chris Habermehl, president of the Vermilion Schools Board of Education.

Meyer said the high points of progress at the school have been improving math and reading state testing grades and closing the gaps between students of various abilities to reach the same level of achievement.

“Over the years, we’ve really committed to more individualized instruction and teaching in small groups to meet needs,” she said, adding that including technology in classrooms frees up teachers to engage in more one-on-one time with the students. “We have been able to individualize work in the classroom and have programs catered to the performance of students, to pinpoint and build a path to success.”

The award also is a product of Vermilion Superintendent Phil Pempin’s overall intention, Habermehl said.

“(Pempin) spends a lot of time developing with people in the district and working on the campus, curriculum and staff,” he said. “I think he does a great job of communicating vision and it trickles down through the system.”

According to a news release from the Ohio Department of Education, to qualify as a High Progress School of Honor requires:

• Be eligible or receive Title I and serve 40 percent or more economically disadvantaged students

• Evidence of gain in combined reading and math proficiency rate from each year from 2014-18 that meets or exceeds the 90th percentile of statewide gains

• High schools should show gain in graduation rates between 2013 and 2017 that meet or exceed 90th percentile statewide

• Overall progress grade having received A or B in report cards from 2016-18

• Gap closing grade of A, B or C should be earned for 2017-18 school year.