Severn River Middle Students Thanked for 'Sweet' Accomplishment

Nothing says thank you like a sweet donut, at least for .

On Thursday morning, the entire student body was provided a donut each, courtesy of the National Junior Honor Society and several staff members to celebrate achieving Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on last school year’s Maryland State Assessments.

“Making AYP didn't happen by chance,” said a very proud principal, June Eyet. “It happened because of a concerted effort by teachers, students and staff.”

Adequate yearly progress is the gain that schools, school systems, and states must make each year in the proportion of students achieving proficiency in reading and math.

To make AYP, schools and school systems must meet the annual measurable objective in reading and mathematics for students in each of the various subgroups and meet the testing participation requirement of 95%.

Seventh grade language arts teacher Linda Rzepkowski helped coordinate the effort, along with NJHS advisor Laura Crowhurst who transported 800 of the sweet treats from The Doughnut Shack in Severna Park.

Teachers handed out the donuts during first period, a welcome surprise for most students. On Wednesday, the first day of school for all students, large balloon displays showed the kids how much their efforts to test well meant to the staff at SRMS.

“Way to go, kids, for working so hard,” said an energetic eighth grade math teacher Lauren Boudakian as she served her students the tasty treats. “And ‘yay’ to the National Junior Honor Society, too. This is what happens when you do your best.”