Kelly Lane Intermediate Honored as a State 'School of Distinction'

Granby's Kelly Lane Intermediate School has been identified as one of the state's "Schools of Distinction" in a new recognition bestowed by the state Department of Education.

"We are very honored," Principal Robert Gilbert said in a phone interview.

The 97 “Schools of Distinction" are those with either the highest overall performance, the highest performing subgroups or the highest progress on the 2012 Connecticut Mastery Test.

Kelly Lane, which houses 330 students in grades 3-6, was given that designation in both the highest overall performance category and the highest performing subgroup category for students with disabilities.

The honor follows another in 2011, when the U.S. Department of Education chose Kelly Lane School as one of 305 schools nationwide to be named a "National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence."

"We've had very, very high student performance in the last four to five years," said Gilbert, who is in his 19th year as principal.

Gilbert attributed the success to a dedicated faculty determined to reach their goals in helping students learn.

"We really focus on giving students meaningful feedback about their work," he said. "We're asking the kids to look at their own work and take more ownership."

Gilbert said the teachers collaborate extensively and share their most effective methods with each other. He also expects parents to be involved in the learning process, requiring that they attend conferences instead of making it an option.

In announcing the awards, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy had this to say about the schools that earned the distinction.

"I applaud the schools that are here today — their commitment to education is tremendous and they are part of the larger conversation about replicating what works in education.”

For a complete listing of this year’s “Schools of Distinction,” visit: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/nclb/waiver/distinction_schools.pdf