October 12, 2015

Dear Morton Elementary School Parent/Guardian(s),

As you may recall, a notification was mailed home in mid-August explaining Morton Elementary School’s status with regards to the Federal Government’s standards for student achievement. Part of this and the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” is called “Adequate Yearly Progress”, AYP.

The “No Child Left Behind Act” started with a lofty goal: Every student was to pass every state test in reading (now called English Language Arts or ELA) and math by the year 2014. In order to meet AYP for the 2015-2016, all (100%) Morton Elementary students needed to achieve proficiency in ELA and mathematics. Washington’s statewide assessment, the Smarter Balanced, served as a major factor in determining whether or not we met these Federal standards.

Because one or more of Morton Elementary students did not pass the state tests in ELA and mathematics, Morton Elementary School did not meet the necessary Federal requirements in the 2014-2015 school year for AYP; consequently, we have been identified as a building “In Improvement,” and are in “Step 3 of Improvement.” Because our school receives Federal Title I, Part A money, there are consequences for not meeting AYP.

You may choose to transfer to a nearby school that is not in a “Step of Improvement.” However, we do not have any options for “school choice” inside or outside our district.

Students from low-income families who attend a Title I, Part A school identified in Step 3 of Improvement whose parents did not select a public school choice option, are eligible for free Supplemental Educational Services (SES). These services are classes or tutoring which occur outside the regular school day with educational providers approved by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

If you are interested in SES, please review the list of providers on the OSPI website ( who are willing to serve the district. This information can also be found on the Morton Elementary Web site at under Title I. The list identifies the subject area(s) and any special groups of students a provider is approved to serve. Please, complete and return the attached SES application form to the district by Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Please note this enrollment window is from Wednesday, October 14 – Wednesday, October 28, 2015. If you need assistance in making a selection of an SES provider(s) for your child(ren), please contact Morton School District Superintendent, John Hannah at 360-496-5300.

Thank you.

Josh Brooks

Morton Elementary Principal

Enclosures: Provider Selection Form