All school districts in the State of Nebraska anxiously awaited the results of the Nebraska State Assessment test, which were released by the Nebraska Department of Education on November 8. These tests determine which schools met AYP (adequate yearly progress) and which schools were on the PLAS list (Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools). For Hay Springs Public Schools it was another year of excellent news.

All schools at Hay Springs (elementary, middle level, and high school) met AYP. Not only did they meet AYP but we were one of the highest achieving schools in the area on this assessment test. We outscored neighboring districts at most grade levels in both Reading and Math.

The State of Nebraska also released the schools on the PLAS List (Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools). The PLAS list categorizes the lowest performing schools into three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Again, Hay Springs Public Schools is not on the PLAS list.

Two years ago Hay Springs did not make AYP at the Middle Level and High School and was on the PLAS List at the Middle Level and High School. We took the low ranking very seriously and addressed our academic challenges head on. The staff addressed attendance, created mandatory remedial programs, scheduled summer school for students failing classes, focused on curricular needs, improved instruction, and encouraged students to be responsible for their own learning. We are pleased that our efforts have been successful.

Take time to celebrate our success, show your appreciation to a teacher, support personnel, and school board members. Acknowledge a student’s effort and hard work, and recognize we have many outstanding parents that support education, expecting their child to learn and be successful.