Ferndale Schools

Release Date: September 23, 2009

For the second year in a row, Ferndale High School has met the Schools of Distinction criteria originally set by OSPI.

This year, Ferndale is being recognized by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK)-Washington, in collaboration with the Center for Educational Effectiveness. Ferndale is one of only nine comprehensive high schools in the state to receive this award a second year. The award recognizes and celebrates outstanding improvement in student academic growth. Awards go to the top five percent of elementary, middle and high schools and alternative schools that have shown significant progress in raising student achievement in both reading and mathematics during a seven-year period.

Ferndale attributes its success to a targeted focus on instruction, student learning, and support services and programs that are research-based and data driven. In addition, staff members have teamed together to form professional learning communities that are yielding results for students.

Ferndale High School will be one of 104 Washington State schools honored at the Schools of Distinction Awards Luncheon on September 26 as a part of the third Research Institute being held by PDK-Washington State. All schools met the Schools of Distinction performance criteria for the 2008-09 school year. Along with recognizing the “Great Schools” 2009 Award winners, the luncheon and Institute will honor the 2008 and 2009 Schools of Distinction award winners for sustained academic achievement of students in their schools.

The Awards Luncheon and Institute will be held on Saturday, September 26th at the City University of Seattle’s Renton Campus.  The Institute will feature a panel of Washington Educational Leaders who are leading significant reform initiatives impacting classroom practice and student learning.

For more information contact:
Dawn Mark, Ferndale High School Principal, 360/383-9243
Sue Mills, PDK, 425/283-0384 ext 1#, sue@effectivenessinstitute.com
Tammy Bengen, Public Information Officer, 383-9207