E.B. de Silva Recognized as a Strive HI School

E.B. de Silva Elementary School in Kaumana has received even more recognition for their achievement as a high performance institution. Last week the school was named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School, and this week, it received recognition status as a Strive HI Performance school.

According to a Hawai’i State Department of Education release, only 15 elementary schools across the state were awarded the status of a Strive HI school for the 2013-2014 school year. The award for this achievement is each school’s share of $230,000.

Each of the 15 schools have reached recognition status in the DOE’s Strive HI Performance System. This means that the schools have demonstrated significant success or improvement in the award year and are among the top five percent of schools in the state.

E.B. de Silva, a repeat recipient of the Strive HI award, is the lone Big Island school to receive the honor. The school is set to receive $15,000.

Thirteen additional schools will also receive $15,000. Kaelepulu Elementary in Kailua, Oahu, will receive $20,000 for their achievement in High Performance and High Progress.

“We are particularly excited to acknowledge this year’s Recognition Schools,” said Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe. “Their success demonstrates what’s possible when an entire school community works together toward a common goal of student success. I congratulate all of the administrators, teachers, students and parents in these schools for their dedication and commitment to success.”

In the 2012-2013 school year, the DOE introduced the Strive HI Performance System as its school accountability and improvement system. Performance standards, like student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, and other key success indicators are measured and taken into account in this performance system.

The funds that each school receives must be used to support the sustainability of its success, including initiatives such as professional development, investments in technology, musical instruments, science lab equipment, and other improvement strategies.

Along with E.B. de Silva, the 14 other schools to receive Strive HI awards are: Enchanted Lake Elementary, Hahaione Elementary, Helemano Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Hokulani Elementary, Kaelepulu Elementary, Kaumualii Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary, Mokapu Elementary, Noelani Elementary, Pomaikai Elementary, Puohala Elementary, and Waikiki Elementary.

For additional information, visit the DOE Strive HI Performance System webpage.