Walls Elementary Named 'School of Promise'

Walls Elementary School has been named a "Schoo of Promise" by the Ohio Department of Education for the 2011-2012 school year.

State officials bestow the designation upon schools that "are helping all demographic groups of students achieve, even when more than 40 percent of the students are identified as economically disadvantaged," according to a district press release.

The honor comes on the heels of the district's first-ever achievement of the state's Excellent with Distinction rating on the latest school report cards report.

According to the district, successful practices in Schools of Promise show:

•  Rigorous standards and instruction
• Strong instructional leadership
• Instruction designed for all students’ success
• Parent and community involvement
• Positive school culture

Walls Principal Heidi Singer credited the school's teachers for earning the distinction.

“Our teachers look at the individual needs of each student to identify their strengths and weaknesses," she said. "It’s not a one size fits all approach, nor are we only focused on testing. We are helping each student succeed."