State recognizes four schools with Four Stars

Four Noblesville schools have been named Four Star Schools by the Indiana Department of Education. In addition, Noblesville High School and three elementary schools have received monetary awards from the state for showing academic improvement.

Noblesville Middle School, Hazel Dell Elementary School, Hinkle Creek Elementary School, and Stony Creek Elementary School are Four Star Schools, an honor that signifies the schools are among the top-ranking schools in the state.

To be named a Four Star School, a school must be fully accredited and rank in the top 25 percent of all schools in the state in four specific areas:
- Total performance on ISTEP+
- Language Arts scores on ISTEP+
- Mathematics scores on ISTEP+
- Attendance rates

Noblesville High School exceeded the academic qualifications for the Four Star School award, but fell short in attendance. NHS recorded an average attendance of 95.5 percent during the last school year, short of the 96.47 percent needed by a high school to be a Four Star School.

Both Four Star Awards and monetary School Improvement Awards given in 2001 are based on 2000 ISTEP+ scores and attendance during the 1999-2000 school year.

NHS, Hazel Dell, Hinkle Creek, and Stony Creek received School Improvement awards for improved academic achievement.

To receive the School Improvement Award, a school must show significant improvement in at least two of those areas considered for the Four Star School award.

Each school competes for the monetary award only against its own performance averages over the previous three years.

Dr. Suellen Reed, state superintendent of public instruction, said the process is "like competing against your own 'personal best'."

The School Improvement Awards program is a "special incentive to reward schools where students performed better than ever and topped their own schools' previous ISTEP+ scores and attendance records," she said.

Noblesville High School, Hazel Dell, and Stony Creek recorded improvement in all four areas. For that, the high school is receiving $11,776.89; Hazel Dell is receiving $3,063.64, and Stony Creek is receiving $3,212.26.

Hinkle Creek is receiving $2,754.63 for showing improvements in both sections of ISTEP+ and in the ISTEP+ total battery.

A committee at each school will determine how the money will be used. It may be used for any educational purpose except athletics or teacher salaries or bonuses.

Noblesville Middle School, Noblesville Intermediate School, and Forest Hill Elementary School all recorded higher attendance rates. Each will receive a Letter of Commendation from the state.