Outstanding improvement in student achievement over five years led to a special honor for two Kent School District elementary schools, Jenkins Creek and Martin Sortun.

They received the 2013 School of Distinction Award from The Center for Educational Effectiveness, the Association of Educational Service Districts, the Association of Washington School Principals, Washington Association of School Administrators, and Washington State School Directors’ Association.

This is the second year in a row Jenkins Creek earned this award, and it’s the fourth time for Martin Sortun. This is the seventh annual School of Distinction award recognition in Washington State.

Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas said, “Jenkins Creek and Martin Sortun are models of student achievement. I am proud that their commitment to the success of their students is being recognized.”

The Schools of Distinction award is bestowed on schools that are performing at or above the state average in each grade level measured on the reading and math assessments.

“These schools represent the top 5% of improvement of all schools in the state,” noted Greg Lobdell, CEE President. “They’ve demonstrated that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools.”

Each regional Educational Service District throughout the state will be hosting an award ceremony to recognize the School of Distinction award winners within their districts.