The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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May 6, 2009

Coolidge Elementary receives state recognition in math

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer

Focusing on students’ math skills has reaped Coolidge Elementary School state recognition for its success in mathematics.

The Title I Achievement Award was granted to Coolidge for its consecutive years of improving math scores.

Title I is a government program that aims to help children who are part of minorities or who are disadvantaged with their academic skills.

“Title I is a federal program to help raise math and reading scores,” said Coolidge Principal Clark Koepping.

He said Coolidge received the award for “closing the gap” between the scores of minority students and non-minority students and disadvantaged students and non-disadvantaged students.

“They have been working hard,” said Enid Public Schools Assistant Superinten-dent Ruth Ann Erdner. “They have focused on mathematics and that has been one area they have been trying to raise their scores in. The teachers have been diligent.”

Coolidge currently has two Title I teachers, Sherry Henderson and Virginia Tines, and an English Language Learner teacher, Pam Garvie.

These teachers provide extra help for students who may be falling behind in reading or math.

“We are thrilled with the award,” Koepping said.

The award is not just a certificate, it is a monetary award for the school.

“We have received a check from the State Department for over $44,000,” Koepping said.

The money must be used for “instructional purposes.”

Koepping said some of the money will be used for stipends for the certified staff at Coolidge.

“We’re still determining how to use the rest of the money,” he said.

Koepping said the school received the award not only because of the Title I and ELL teachers but because of the hard work of all the teachers and staff members.

“The teachers certainly have to have great credit because they are in that classroom daily,” Erdner said.

“We win as a team, we lose as a team, and this was a big win,” Koepping said.

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