Port Angeles Students Excel
The fall release of Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) scores for our state once again showed promise for Port Angeles students. Scores remained above the state in math and reading at grade 4 with only one area, grade 4 writing, below the state average by only 1.6 percent. While grades 7 and 10 students continued to improve scores in all areas, there were healthy gains in reading, writing and math, with 2006 high school writing results increasing by an outstanding 24.1 percent.
“Fifty-five percent of students from the class of 2008 have already met WASL graduation requirements,” Cohn said in September. “We’re strongly encouraged by the substantial number of students who’ve met two of three WASL standards.”
Students continue to also showcase their talents outside of the classroom. The music programs continue to shine and make a name for Port Angeles throughout the state. Recently Port Angeles High School orchestras participated in the 20th Mercer Island Orchestra Festival with great success. In addition, our Stevens Jazz Band returns each year for an encore performance at the Juan de Fuca Festival. The strings program, comprised of fourth through twelfth grade students, celebrated its 30th Annual All-City String Review last year. Port Angeles High School vocal groups stand out too, most recently with their Hire the Choir campaign, and the Port Angeles High School’s Symphonic Choir’s invitation to sing at the Seattle SuperSonics basketball game. The Roosevelt Choir and Jefferson fifth graders also shared their musical talents in welcoming the Capital Christmas Tree to Port Angeles.
The athletic teams continue to excel and are enjoying a successful year in the newly formed Olympic League. Clubs and volunteer activities keep our students busy in our community, with high school DECA, SkillsUSA, and ROTC, and other groups making a difference through their fund raising activities and volunteer work.
Students are learning necessary lessons in the classroom, but they are also having valuable life experiences through their connections to our Port Angeles community.
Keep an eye on our website for up-to-date stories about our school district, students and graduates: www.portangelesschools.org.
Levy questions, comments and suggestions may be sent via email to: levy@portangelesschools.org, or by U.S. Mail to: Superintendent, Port Angeles School District, 216 East Fourth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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