10/13/09

With the sounds of teachers cheering and swishing pom-pons and the addition of a balloon archway made with the school’s colors, the experience of walking into the cafeteria on October 7 became a new experience for the students of Owings Mills Elementary School. On that date, walking into the cafeteria had special meaning as students took the “Walk of Achievement” during a school-wide celebration of success on the 2009 Maryland School Assessment (MSA).

Building on its past progress in advancing student achievement, Owings Mill Elementary School improved its MSA performance from 2008 to 2009 in mathematics and reading at all three participating grade levels – 3, 4, and 5. For example, in grade 3 mathematics, the percentage of students performing at proficient or advanced levels increased from 81.8 in 2008 to 93.8 in 2009.

“Year after year, we make significant progress,” said Principal Chet Scott, “but this year, when we hit so many high numbers, we felt that our performance finally reflected who we truly are. Our success was a great accomplishment for our very, very diverse school. We are proud of our boys and girls, our parents, and our teachers because we know that our achievements reflect the collaborative work of the entire school community.”

According to grade 4 teacher Jen Wallace, the students at Owings Mills Elementary are performing so well because of their personal commitment to learning. “They are very conscientious about the goals they have to reach each year. They do their homework and they work hard in class because they are intrinsically motivated. Our October 7 event was a great time for them to sit back and recognize their own personal achievements and those of their friends. They are excited about learning, and they are reveling in their success.”

As a part of the October 7 "Walk of Achievement," students in prekindergarten through grade 3 received noisemakers, and students in grades 4 and 5 accepted medals.

Once assembled in the cafeteria, students enjoyed a slide show, short presentation, and the "Rhythms and Rhymes for Wise Young Minds" show by special guest Jali-D. The performer, whose real name is David Foreman, graduated from Howard University and is a percussionist and performance poet. Through his "rappercussions," he combines educational hip-hop and rap with African-style drumming. His “Rhythms and Rhymes for Wise Young Minds” show emphasizes positive self- development, the importance of reading, students’ responsibility for their own success, and strategies students can use to make learning more fun.

“The students had a little knowledge in advance about the day. They knew there was going to be an assembly,” said Melissa Connolly, a library media specialist at the school. “But the extent of the event was sort of a surprise to them. It was so nice to take time to celebrate the students’ accomplishments. These are an amazing group of children who are working really hard. We have dedicated teachers here at Owings Mills Elementary, and students who are just as dedicated.”

Story by Lisa D. Fletcher, library media specialist and Good News Ambassador, Owings Mills Elementary School, and Diana L. Spencer, communications officer. Photos courtesy of Owings Mills Elementary School.

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