Thompson Intermediate Named Finalist for Excellence in Urban Education Award
Posted on 01/10/2014
Thanks to the hard work of teachers, administrators and students, Thompson Intermediate has been named one of sixteen finalists for the National Center for Urban School Transformation Excellence in Urban Education Award. Committee officials flew in from California on Friday to congratulate the campus, observe the classroom culture and interview select teachers, parents and students.
“Our teachers have a heart for kids,” said Thompson Principal Toni Lopez. “I think one thing that makes us unique is the family feel on campus, our teachers do what is right for kids and that’s ultimately what makes the learning here on campus so successful.”
The award recognizes urban schools throughout the nation who serve lower income communities, yet have outstanding evidence of academic achievement.
Thompson Intermediate received a bronze award and now has the chance to be elevated to the silver or gold level. The silver award schools receive a check for $2,500 and are eligible to be selected as the Gold Award School in their category (elementary, middle, high school). Recipients of the gold award in each category will be announced at the national symposium later this spring and will receive a total of $5,000 to support educational efforts.
“We are excited to be recognized for this award and I think it goes to show the quality of instruction here in Pasadena ISD,” said Lopez. “We have teachers who are dedicated to enhancing curriculum through the use of technology, netbooks and individualized attention and I am proud of my team here.”
Thompson Language Arts teachers Glen Russell and Jessica Quintanilla speak with NCUST committee members during a campus visit on Friday.