West Ridge Elementary Honored as 'School of Recognition' at State Capitol

Exceptional teachers helped earn West Ridge Elementary the honor of being named a “School of Recognition” for the second time by the State Department of Education.

“There is a culture of excellence here with the teachers. They agree on what’s best for the children and they build upon each other from grade to grade,” said Principal Christopher Thompson. “We make lateral decisions as professionals."

“School of Recognition” awards honor schools that have some of the highest poverty rates in the state but also have children who consistently score above average on standardized tests. Sixty percent of the students at West Ridge qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Thompson said another key to this success is that West Ridge teachers are focused on eliminating gaps immediately - while the kids are in kindergarten - so that even children who come from tough socio-economic backgrounds, speak English as a second language, didn’t have access to preschool, or have not had much access to books are operating at the same level as other kids when they get older.

“Kindergarten is the great melting pot year. Around the hundredth day of school, they’re all at a level playing field,” he said. “

Another important piece of West Ridge’s success is that the teachers have been there for a long time, with the average tenure at 17 years. Many teachers have been there 30 years or longer, like kindergarten teacher Mrs. Carol Jensen. On a recent day, she had a diverse group of students playing quietly in centers; some building blocks, two boys playing house, two other boys logging on to computers. All were sitting peacefully, discussing their work respectfully with each other.

That focus on good behavior is evident throughout the school, as children of all ages walk in quiet lines in the hallway, sit with their feet on the floor and give clear, well-reasoned answers to teachers, and help each other on projects.

“At West Ridge, we talk a lot about ‘What does it mean to be quality?’” Thompson said. “I tell children I am looking for perfection. I want them to strive.”

West Ridge has an active PTA, and a couple dozen regular volunteers who sit individually with students, working on math and reading.

All these pieces add up to a school where children get better and better as they get older, with 2010 average math scores growing from 61.8 percent proficiency in the third grade, to 68.3 percent in fourth, to 81.9 percent in fifth.

West Ridge was the only school in the Racine Unified School District to be named a “School of Recognition” this year. Aside from the pat on the back, the school also received $5,000 at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol.