For “outstanding academic performance” the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) has named Lawrence Elementary School and Tosch Elementary School to its 2007 Honor Roll.  According to TBEC, the Honor Roll is the most prestigious academic award a Texas public school can receive.  Just 385 Texas public schools met the qualifications for this honor.  The schools will be honored during TBEC’s Annual Honor Roll Schools Celebration and Dinner October 22, 2007, at the Austin Hilton Hotel.

The award was established in 2000 to draw attention to those public schools that are performing at the highest levels.  It recognizes schools that have demonstrated three or more consecutive years of high performance in all subjects compared to other schools serving similar student populations.  In addition to having a high percentage of students meeting state standards on all tests for at least three consecutive years, TBEC Honor Roll schools also have the highest percentage of students performing at the state’s most rigorous standard: commended on all tests.

“We are extremely proud of everyone associated with these outstanding campuses:  the students, the teachers, the staff and the parents,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie.  “Achieving this honor took a great deal of determination, dedication and hard work.  We applaud this tremendous accomplishment.” 

Joe Lawrence Elementary, with just under 400 students, has a proud educational record including the following honors: TEA Exemplary School (2007, 2006, 2002), TEA Recognized School (2005, 2004, 2003), Gold Performance Acknowledgements: Attendance, Commended on Reading/ELA (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002), Commended on Mathematics (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003), Commended on Writing (2006, 2004, 2003), and Commended on Science (2006, 2005).

With some 700 students (including more than 200 in bilingual programs), Charles A. Tosch Elementary is also no stranger to success, having earned the following: TEA Exemplary School (2002), TEA Recognized School (2007, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995), Gold Performance Acknowledgements: Commended on Reading/ELA (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999), Commended on Writing (2006, 2004, 2003), Commended on Mathematics (2006, 2001, 2000), and Commended on Science (2005).

TBEC Deputy Director Ken Zornes said, “TBEC is proud to honor those students, teachers, principals, and superintendents who win championships in the classrooms.”

For more information, contact Ian Halperin, MISD Communications, at 972-882-7405.