Ruth Livingston Elementary School Named 2024 State ESEA Distinguished School

The Pasco School District is thrilled to announce that Ruth Livingston Elementary School has been recognized as a 2024 State Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This prestigious honor, awarded for exceptional student performance and academic growth, marks the first time in over seven years that a Tri-Cities school has received this recognition.

As part of this recognition, Ruth Livingston Elementary will receive a $15,000 award, which will be used to further enhance student learning.

Celebrating Academic Excellence
The State ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, established by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), highlights the success of federally funded schools making significant strides in student achievement. Schools are recognized in three categories:

1. Exceptional student performance and academic growth.
2. Closing the achievement gap between student groups.
3. Excellence in serving special populations of students.

Ruth Livingston Elementary earned recognition in Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth, a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to student success.

Superintendent Chris Reykdal commended the achievement, stating:
"I am excited about Ruth Livingston Elementary School being recognized as a 2024 State ESEA Distinguished School. I am proud of the hard work of your students, teachers, and administrators to achieve this recognition."

Principal Joe Jisa shared his pride in the school’s accomplishment, stating:
"This award reflects the incredible dedication of our students, staff, and families. Our success is rooted in collaboration, intentional planning, and a shared commitment to fostering a positive environment where every student can thrive. We are proud to see these efforts recognized at the state level."

Jisa also highlighted key initiatives contributing to the school’s success, including:

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Promoting collaboration among staff to build collective teacher efficacy.
• Yearlong Plans Aligned to Standards: Ensuring consistency across reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, while integrating assessments and AVID/GLAD strategies.
• Targeted Interventions: Implementing systems to identify and support students needing academic or behavioral assistance.
• Belonging and HUG Programs: Creating a culture of dignity and intentional connections for students to ensure a safe, inclusive school environment.
• Instructional Focus: Incorporating AVID strategies like WICOR to engage students and emphasize accountable talk.

Looking Ahead
The school’s Guiding Coalition will meet later this month to discuss the best ways to utilize these funds to sustain and build on its success.

Ruth Livingston Elementary’s achievement is a testament to the Pasco School District’s mission to celebrate academics, diversity, and innovation—putting students first to make learning last a lifetime.