McKinley Students Awarded for Proficient & Advanced Scores

Over 250 McKinley Elementary School students were honored last month for their performance on the California State Standards Test (CST) during last school year. Students in grades three through six were honored by their school and PTA in an awards ceremony held at Colton High School. They were recognized for scoring in the proficient and advanced ranges in the language arts and math categories of last year’s CST, the yearly standard test students in California take each spring, explained Principal Michael Williford. “It definitely shows the dedication of the parents, staff and community to the students to help them grow,” said Williford of the children’s accomplishments. The recognition is an annual tradition for the school, Williford explained, but this year the school slated the awards ceremony for the evening hours to allow for parents and other family members to attend. “We had over 400 in attendance, and the kids dressed up in suits and nice dresses. It was like the Academy Awards; it was a wonderful event,” said Williford. PTA president Maria Koperski had two children, twin daughters McKenzie and Mariah, 9, who were honored for their scores on last year’s CST test. McKenzie scored proficiently in math, while Mariah scored proficiently in language arts. “I was ecstatic. I’m very proud. There is a great staff who teach the students well. We’ve been having this assembly so many years and it gives kids that incentive to really try,” she said. Each honoree was awarded with a certificate of recognition and a commemorative T-shirt, donated by the McKinley PTA.