LaCrosse School receives positive school culture award

LACROSSE — The LaCrosse School was nominated and received recognition from the Association of Washington Student Leaders and the Association of Washington School Principals.

The award recognizes schools that create and sustain a positive school culture and set the tone for a successful academic year highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community among students, staff and families.

The school started off the year with a culture kick-off event, hosting a large all-school assembly to introduce the new principal and discuss expectations and provide clear direction for the school community.

After the assembly the students were introduced to “pit” session allowing them to connect in groups to foster social-emotional learning and reinforce the importance of perseverance.

Students then created biome-themed posters showcasing their creativity and helping build a sense of ownership and collaboration.

“It has to do with developing a positive culture,” said LaCrosse Superintendent Doug Curtis, noting that LaCrosse Principal and Teresa Veneske and Sandy Martin are ASB advisors and they worked together with the ASB officers to put together the kick-off event.

“They were late in getting a lot of this to us,” Curtis said. “So some of our kids who were in elementary school are not in any longer. Our elementary school has been very strong. It has received a lot of recognition and awards over the last several years.”

Curtis said the school also received the achievement award as well as the state principals association award.

Other schools in Whitman County that received awards include Endicott School District Elementary and Middle School, Pullman School District Franklin and Kamiak Elementary, Steptoe Elementary school for growth of one or more student groups, and St. John School District for the elementary’s growth for one or more student groups and achievement for the whole school.