Cole Elementary is being honored for meeting the statewide goal of 95% reading proficiency. Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner recognized the schools recently at an Indiana Statehouse ceremony. 

This is the second year in a row that the state has recognized Cole for meeting the state benchmark that is placed on third grade students who take the IREAD test. Principal Mike Pinto credits the schoolwide focus that includes consistent phonics instruction in grades K-2, ensuring students know all sight words in grades 2-5 and an emphasis on reading comprehension.

“This is a collective effort from the teachers, instructional assistants, interventionists and other support staff,” Pinto says. “Reading is very important for a child's future. If a child can read, she/he can open a pathway to many other opportunities in his/her future through academic coursework. We also know reading allows us to escape from our current reality and visit faraway lands and learn about interesting individuals from books we choose for leisure.”

Jenna Doke’s parents encourage her to read at home. “I am so proud of my daughter,” says Andy Doke. “Jenna has more confidence and likes reading a lot more because she knows she can do it.”

“My daughter doesn’t love to read, but it is taken seriously and she is happier and more confident after passing,” says parent Courtney Stockdale. “I’m very happy for my child and happy they go to a school where this is taken seriously.”

“Our statewide goal of achieving 95% reading proficiency among Indiana students is ever closer because of the work these schools have done and continue to do every day,” says Gov. Holcomb. “Reading is foundational to all other educational and quality of life goals we set as a state, and I want to commend the educators at each of the schools honored for their commitment to a brighter future for our students and the state of Indiana.” 

Cole Elementary has reached the 95% passing goal 10 of the last 11 years.