Westside Elementary School earned its second consecutive "A" grade in as many years for the Annual State Report Card for 2005.

Principal Judi Winch is ecstatic about the school's progress and has her sights set on bigger and better things for the upcoming school year and in the years to come.

"This was a joint effort from the parents, the community and the staff," Winch said. We all pooled our resources and made it work. When everyone pulls together and gets involved it makes a big difference."

Schools earning A's or improving their grades since last year will be eligible for $100-per student rewards that can be spent on employee bonuses, classroom supplies or equipment, or hiring temporary personnel.

The grade is calculated by adding points earned for student performance in the areas of reading, writing and math and are based on how well students have mastered the Sunshine State Standards, which are the skills Florida teachers determined our children must learn at each grade level. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is the measurement tool.

Schools earn points based three things: how well students are doing, how much progress they are making, and how much progress struggling readers are making.

Last year the school satisfied 97 percent of the federal criteria. This year 90 percent of the criteria was satisfied.

Winch cited Westside's Parent Involvement Committee as being a very important part of the school's ability to maintain it's "A" grade for two year straight. She also applauded her dedicated staff.

"The parents truly have been an integral part of this," she said. "They are recognizing the individual needs of their children and are getting involved and bringing a lot of energy to the table. Every parent is interested. I've also got a dynamite staff. I'll put them up against anyone."

In reading, 68 percent of Westside students were at or above grade level, while 65 percent made a year's worth of progress, and 70 percent of students who struggled were reported as having made a year's worth of progress.

In the area of math, 64 percent of Westside students were at or above grade level, while 70 percent made a year's worth of progress.
In writing, 77 percent of the students were meeting state standards.
Overall Westside Elementary met the provisional standards under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

As an added bonus, Westside was named a Five-Star school by the Florida Department of Education. Schools receive this rating for exceptional parent and community involvement.

"This is the first time in history that this school has received this recognition," Winch said.

Winch has been principal at Westside three years; she has been a staple at the school for seven.

"When I arrived, the school was one point away from receiving an "F," she said. "We then raised the grade to a "C" and consistently maintained that grade for four years straight. When we received our first "A" some people may have believed it was a fluke. When we came back and did it again, we proved ourselves. Now that we've been consistent with A's, there's no turning back."

No turning back indeed. Westside's motto is, 'Now Boarding Westside's Train to Success...Jump on Board! '

"It has gotten to the point where teachers are lining up to become a part of the staff at this school," Winch said. "I was able to hand pick my staff so we all share the same vision for the success of our children. These teachers and parents believe in the success of these children."

Contact Karsceal Turner at kturner@daytonatimes.com.