Ark City Middle school was recently recognized for efforts undertaken to improve student performance.
The school was awarded one of six Panasonic National School Change Awards. The school will receive a cash grant and donation of Panasonic products totaling over $5,000.
Students and staff celebrated the honor at a special ceremony in the school auditorium last week. In addition to the local ceremony, the school will be recognized at a national awards program held by the United States Department of Education at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
Principal Mark Whitener said ACMS serves a diverse population of which the majority is considered at-risk. At one time the school was underachieving and fewer than 20 percent of special education and economically disadvantaged students scored proficient on state assessments.
“Over the last decade though, ACMS has risen to the occasion and all subgroups are achieving Adequate Yearly Progress,” he said.