For the third consecutive year, Socorro ISD middle schools sweep CREEED’s AIM High awards
El Paso, TX – CREEED celebrated the third year of its Algebra in Middle (AIM High) initiative, once again recognizing five Socorro Independent School District (SISD) middle schools for leading the region in Algebra 1 performance. For three consecutive years, every one of the region’s top-performing middle schools in Algebra 1 has come from SISD, underscoring the district’s consistent excellence in preparing students for advanced math and college readiness.
The AIM High initiative honors and rewards all faculty and staff at the top-performing middle schools, recognizing that success takes teamwork across teachers, administrators, and support staff. To be considered, middle schools must have at least 90% of their students taking Algebra 1. Considered a “gateway course,” research shows that students passing Algebra I in 8th grade are more likely to enroll in advanced math and succeed in college. It also allows students an early start to taking dual credit classes in high school, providing increased benefits for student success.
As part of this initiative, all staff at each of the top five middle schools receive a monetary gift card. This year, CREEED awarded $54,850 to the following schools:
- Col. John O. Ensor Middle School – $16,750 (86% passing rate)
- Montwood Middle School – $9,200 (84% passing rate)
- Jane A. Hambric Middle School – $8,700 (83% passing rate)
- SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School – $8,550 (83% passing rate)
- SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School – $11,650 (82% passing rate)
“Three years in a row is no accident,” said Richard A. Castro, CREEED Board Chair. “This tradition of excellence proves that Algebra I is a priority for Socorro ISD middle schools, which allows students to gain skills that open doors to higher education and careers.”
“CREEED’s mission is to expand opportunities for all El Paso students,” added Eddie Rodriguez, CREEED Executive Director. “The AIM High initiative celebrates incredible work done that positively impacts the future of our students and our community.”
“We are beyond proud of the outstanding performance of our students in Algebra I. The faculty and staff at these top five middle schools are 100 percent dedicated to student success and it shows with this three-time success in the AIM High initiative,” SISD Superintendent James Vasquez said. “I thank CREEED for recognizing the amazing achievement of our students, faculty and staff in leading the region at unprecedented levels. We are committed to giving our students the best opportunities for success at the secondary level and in college and career readiness.”
The award ceremony was held at Pebble Hills High School. Gift cards were distributed to all faculty and staff at the recognized campuses in celebration of their collective success.
For more information about CREEED and its efforts to increase student achievement and college readiness, visit www.creeed.org.