Cape May School Honored; One of 7 Lighthouse Districts

TRENTON – Cape May City elementary school was recognized Nov. 1 by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) as one of seven Lighthouse Districts statewide.
Those districts were lauded “for illuminating the path toward academic growth and student success,” according to a release.
The Lighthouse District Initiative is a result of conversations with many educators, families, community members, and students who encouraged the state to focus on growth.
Cape May was the only district in the county to receive the recognition.
Through the Lighthouse District Initiative, the NJDOE is highlighting districts that have, over the past several years, achieved academic growth in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics with diverse student groups.
The Lighthouse Districts have demonstrated student academic progress as a result of setting high academic standards, using assessment data to identify every student’s needs, and working tirelessly to provide the necessary educational supports.
“Lighthouse Districts show what types of academic gains are possible when visionary, instructional leaders, dedicated educators, and supportive board members work together on behalf of the children in their community,” stated New Jersey Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington.
“The Lighthouse Districts show that New Jersey is on the right path; their success has been contingent upon building a community of educators, students, and families who believe each and every student can and will excel beyond New Jersey’s high academic standards,” she continued.
The NJDOE will be engaging with educators from the Lighthouse Districts to create a sustainable support network for districts.
“By highlighting the best practices of the Lighthouse Districts, districts across the state can benefit from resources that come directly from their peers and illustrates how closing the achievement gap is possible,” stated State Board of Education President Arcelio Aponte
“We are committed to giving the Lighthouse districts the platform to be models for how to use data to tell the story about what students need and to support other districts in lighting their own path for their students’ success,” Harrington added.