In a recent meeting of the Washington County School District, educators celebrated significant academic progress at Sandstone Elementary, highlighting a year of impressive growth in student proficiency across various subjects. The atmosphere was filled with optimism as school leaders shared data reflecting the hard work of both teachers and students.

Over the past three years, Sandstone Elementary has seen a notable increase in proficiency scores. In English Language Arts, the school improved from 33% to 46% proficient, marking a 13% rise. Math scores also climbed from 29% to 37%, an 8% increase, while science proficiency reached 47%, again an 8% improvement. Perhaps most striking was the leap in writing proficiency, which surged from a mere 1% to 80%, aligning with state and district averages.

The data presented illustrated Sandstone's competitive standing among Title I schools in Utah, ranking in the top 25%. The school’s growth trajectory mirrors that of the district, particularly in language arts, where the school’s performance closely followed district trends. The percentage of students demonstrating typical or above-average growth in math and reading reached 79% by the end of the year, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted interventions and data-driven strategies.

Looking ahead, school leaders expressed a commitment to further enhance math proficiency, aiming to align more closely with state and district averages. The meeting also highlighted the school’s recent acceptance of the I-three grant, which will provide up to $1.5 million over three years to support students, particularly those with disabilities. This funding is expected to bolster resources and enhance educational opportunities, further enriching the school’s learning environment.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of pride among educators was palpable, reflecting a shared dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting every student’s growth. With a clear focus on foundational skills in math and language arts, Sandstone Elementary is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.