“We are very pleased with the increased proficiency rates for our schools, particularly the Title 1 schools that demonstrated double digit growth,” says Laurie J. Gaylord, Superintendent, Martin County School District. Our schools have worked very hard to improve academic achievement for students. They have certainly demonstrated their commitment to our mission of educating all students for success.”

Overall, the Martin County School District increased seven percentage points over last year’s scores, almost twice the average increase for the state. Nearly all the elementary schools demonstrated growth from last year with four schools displaying a double digit increase (including two Title 1 schools): Jensen Beach Elementary showed 21 percentage points growth; Crystal Lake showed 14 percentage points growth; Warfield Elementary showed 12 percentage points growth; and JD Parker showed 11 percentage points growth. In addition, 75 percent of Martin County elementary schools exceeded the state average in proficiency.

Grade 3 ELA Proficiency Percentage: Year to Year Comparison

School 2017 2016

Hobe Sound Elementary 58 59

J.D. Parker Elementary 54 43

Pinewood Elementary 51 49

Port Salerno Elementary 28 19

Seawind Elementary 60 54

Warfield Elementary 47 35

District 60 53

State 58 54

The Martin County School District (MCSD) is an Academically High-Performing School District in Florida and is fully accredited by AdvancED, the parent organization of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. More information about MCSD can be found online at www.martinschools.org

In an effort to promote the literacy and the life-long love of reading, the Education Foundation of Martin County challenged all upper level Martin County elementary students to read all 15 titles listed on the annually selected Sunshine State Reader book list. Those who do are eligible to participate on their school's Book Bowl team.

Teams of students in grades 3 through 5 from all elementary schools then prepared to compete in the annual Education Foundation of Martin County Elementary Book Bowl on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Jensen Beach High School. The Book Bowl competition is based upon the 15 books selected by the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Program, a statewide reading motivation program. Questions will be posed, with each team having 45 seconds to decide on an answer, write it down, and submit it to the judges...game-show style.

There was three rounds of 15 questions each. Students of the winning team, as well as their school, will received trophies. All team members received medals.

The Education Foundation of Martin County also purchases a library bound set of each year's Sunshine State Readers for each school's media center.

The Color of Our Worlds is an Electronic Newsletter for the school communities of:

AMS: Anderson Middle School

HSE: Hobe Sound Elementary School

IMS: Indiantown Middle School

JDP: J. D. Parker Elementary School

PWE: Pinewood Elementary School

PSE: Port Salerno Elementary School

SWE: SeaWind Elementary School

WES: Warfield Elementary School