By Davi Stuhlsatz

HAYSVILLE – For the third year out of four, Oatville Elementary School received the Governor’s Achievement Award.

“It starts with a great staff,” said Principal Shane Dent. “They truly believe every child can achieve more.”

Dent said the school uses a multi tier support system.

“Every child’s progress is monitored, and we provide interventions and resources according to each child’s needs,” he said. “If a child is struggling in reading, we double up on reading; if the child is struggling in math, we double up there. “

Dent said the school is very good at looking at data and differentiating instruction for individual needs. 

He also pointed to the school’s partnership with families as part of the reason for the school’s success. 

“We build relationships – connections and friendships – with parents and grandparents,” he said.

To receive the Governor’s Achievement Award, schools must have achieved the Standard of Excellence in both reading and mathematics for 2011. 

Additionally, the school must have made Adequate Yearly Progress in both reading and mathematics and one additional measure. 

Finally, the school must have been among the top 5 percent of schools in both reading and mathematics on the 2011 state assessments at its respective level, i.e. elementary schools, middle/junior high schools, or high schools.

Oatville was one of only 41 elementary schools in the state to receive the governor’s award.