On June 16, Clinton Township School District (CTSD) celebrated its exceptional academic performance. According to the Education Scorecard — a collaboration between education research institutions at Harvard and Stanford — CTSD ranks 16th across all 50 states in learning rate. Learning rate measures how much students learn in a school year, as assessed by performance on standardized math and literacy assessments. Clinton Township’s students learned the equivalent of a grade and a half in just one year — half a year more than comparable districts.
Students and teachers arrived to find banners provided by the Board of Education proclaiming “Congratulations! 16th in the Nation!” Many students dressed for the occasion in as many as 16 items of spirit wear — neon colors, patriotic gear, sunglasses, hats, and more. Every 16 minutes past the hour, students and teachers paused class to take part in one of several 16-second celebrations: a dance party, a clap and cheer, or a jump for joy.
Third grader Aurielle Pope, who wore all 16 items of spirit wear, said, “I feel proud to know that we work hard and all our hard work paid off.”
Tucker Yoder, a fourth grader, put it this way: “It’s crazy to think we’re this little state and there are 50 states in the country and we’re 16th in all of the schools.”
Mid-morning, a selection of Round Valley students wearing their spirit attire congregated around their celebration banner for a picture. They were joined by administrators and board members who later joined in the 10:16 clap and cheer in a phys ed class.
Students appreciated an extra 16 minutes of recess, and at the end of the day — before dismissal 16 minutes early — teachers enjoyed ice cream donated by Maschio’s, the district’s food service provider, along with 16 toppings courtesy of the CTSD Board of Education.
The day’s festivities seemed to make the enormity of this achievement more concrete for many educators. Several staff members commented that seeing the banners at their school and joining in the celebrations drove home just how impressive their students’ progress has been.
All four of Clinton Township’s Schools took part in the celebrations, including those who prepare students with important foundations prior to taking part in standardized testing. Laura Jaw, a veteran first grade teacher, commented, “This really validates all the work we do, particularly since COVID. Our kids have done really well to get back on track.”
Clinton Township’s students’ academic growth is putting the district back on the map. “We used to get a lot of recognition as a district for the work we were doing. It’s nice to see this happening again,” said Sherri Ann Parsh, Grades 6 and 7 Math teacher.
Mary Postma, Principal of Round Valley School and architect of the day’s celebrations, had this to say: “Clinton Township’s educators are professional, skilled, and dedicated to student learning and success. Our students are curious, motivated, and engaged. This celebration gave us a tangible way to recognize our collective efforts.”
