3 Licking Heights schools win prestigious Momentum Award

Licking Heights Local Schools announced that three schools in the district — Broad Peak Elementary, Summit Station Intermediate and Licking Heights High School — have won the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s (ODEW) Momentum Award.

The Momentum Award recognizes districts and buildings that have demonstrated outstanding improvements in student achievement while also continuing to show growth. The award is for districts that have improved their performance index by three or more points from the 2022-23 State Report Card to the 2023-24 State Report Card and received a value-added progress rating of four or more stars.

“We are incredibly proud of all of the students, staff members, building leaders and district leaders who made this award possible,” said Kevin S. Miller, Superintendent of Licking Heights. “Our major gains in student achievement and performance are all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our educators and the focus of our students. The Momentum Award is a testament to both Licking Heights as a district and to the excellence of our staff as educators and leaders.”

ODEW rates both schools and districts each year on a five-star scale for their State Report Card. For 2023-24, the high school earned a 4.5-star rating, Summit Station earned a 4-star rating and Broad Peak earned a 4-star rating. Each school also increased their Performance Index by at least two points — evidence that students are scoring at higher levels on their state assessments.

As a district, Licking Heights earned an overall 4.5-star rating for their 2023-24 State Report Card. This is the highest rating the district has ever received.

“At Licking Heights, our mission every day is to elevate every learner to new heights. This includes students, staff and all members of our district community,” said Tracy Russ, Licking Heights School Board President. “These three buildings winning the Momentum Award are a perfect example of this. I want to personally thank the staff, building leaders and district leaders who made this possible.”

Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: 3 Licking Heights schools win prestigious Momentum Award