East upgraded to distinguished

Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2016

East Jessamine High School was among nine schools in Kentucky whose test scores have been upgraded after an annual review of test scores from the previous school year.

The Principal of East Jessamine High, Aaron Etherington, said the district received the information two weeks ago and then forwarded the information to him.

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“I then got on the intercom and said to the staff that they were now attending and working at a distinguished school,” Etherington said. “We heard applause all the way to the front office. It was a jubilant time.”

Since then the school has crossed out their banner that was labeled proficient and wrote distinguished in its place.  

“It’s been just a really positive message here to our staff that we are working hard and our kids are working hard,” Etherington said. “It just goes to show that we are seeing results from our hard work and that is has taken us to the next level.”

The teachers received free lunch and the students also received a treat of shaved ice from the Kona Ice Truck. 

“We want to continue to set higher goals and not settle or become complacent,” Etherington said. “We’ve celebrated for a short period of time, and now it’s back to work to build on those accomplishments and reach bigger and better goals.”

Other schools that received changes from the Kentucky Department of Education review are Corbin Independent:  Dayton Independent, Kenton County, Cumberland County Middle, Madisonville North Hopkins High School and Powell County High School. 

“This accomplishment is 100 percent a result of our excellent staff and the hard work that they have committed to and the work our students are doing,” Etherington said. “Without them this would not be possible. We are looking for better things to come.”