Vernon Schools Again Ahead Of State With Next Generation Results

VERNON, CT — Public schools in Vernon have again exceeded the state average and are ranked No. 1 among the 36 K-through-12 Alliance Districts in the latest Next Generation Accountability System results.

Vernon earned 73.3 points, compared to the state average of 70.8 points. The results were released last week by the state Department of Education.

Three Vernon schools — Northeast School, Skinner Road School and Lake Street School — were recognized as "Schools of Distinction" because students showed significant growth and achievement year over year. School system administrators said student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge.

Growth shows how well a school is helping students learn, they added.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students, families, teachers, staff and administrators, and demonstrate the Vernon Public Schools high standards and expectations,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph P. Macary said. "These results are even more remarkable considering the past five years of school disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school shutdowns."

The Next Generation Accountability System evaluates schools on:

• Academic achievement,
• Academic growth
• Assessment participation rate
• Chronic absenteeism
• College and career readiness
• Being on track for graduation in ninth grade
• Graduation in four years
• Graduation in six years for high-need students,
• Post-secondary entrance rate
• Physical fitness
• Arts access

The criteria break down into 23 metrics that provide school leaders with details about school and district performance, school system officials said. Schools in Vernon beat the state average in 18 of those 23 metrics, and showed improvement in 17 of the 23, Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa said.

"We always want to do better, but these numbers are full of good news about our success in reaching our students and guiding them to reach their full potential," Testa said.

Northeast School achieved School of Distinction designation for high growth for all students and high needs students in math. Lake Street School was designated a School of Distinction for high growth among high needs students in math. Skinner Road School was deemed a School of Distinction for the high performance and high growth of all students in math, high growth by high needs students in English Language Arts and math, and for being ranked in the top 10 percent of all schools in Connecticut.

This year is the is the fifth straight that Northeast School has achieved School of Distinction status. Principal Dr. Brenda Greene said the key is making sure every student has what they need to continually do their best.

"That intense focus creates an environment in which students meet their academic goals and achieve at an extremely high level," Greene said.

Lake Street School Principal Tracy Duenzl said the teamwork between families and teachers is essential.

"All of our teachers worked really hard together to support student learning,” Duenzl said. "Families made sure students were at school, which enabled our teachers to make a sustained and focused effort on helping students move forward. We’re very proud of our students' growth and achievement."

Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky said teachers and staff are dedicated and work hard to ensure Skinner Road is a school where students can do their best work and flourish.

"The students are the heart of the school and our staff is willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of each and every child," Kerachsky said. "Our teachers forge tremendous relationships with our kids, allowing the kids to feel safe and secure. That allows us to focus on learning and getting better every day."