N-O Honored For Closing The Gap For Second-Straight Year

As students prepare for their yearly state standardized tests to begin next week, Neligh-Oakdale was proudly presented an award honoring their work from last year's tests.

Neligh-Oakdale was recognized for the second-straight year for the Closing The Gap award. The award is presented to schools in Nebraska that close the achievement gap in math, science and reading, scoring higher in all categories each year. While it was special that Neligh-Oakdale was just one of three schools across the state to earn the award, winning it this year was a little extra special.

"We received this same award last year and we are the only school in the state to receive this award for two consecutive years," said George Loofe. "You guys, the teachers and the paras deserve a huge round of applause for all the work you've done."

"Let's do it three times," exclaimed one excited student.

Neligh-Oakdale's scores were highly favorable compared to many schools across the state. Overall, 92 percent of Neligh-Oakdale students last year in grades third through eighth and eleventh passed the tests. The state average is 82 percent. In science, Neligh-Oakdale achieved 84 percent passing compared to the state average of 72 percent. The trend continued in math as Neligh-Oakdale hit 79 percent, compared to 73 percent statewide. In reading, Neligh-Oakdale achieved 92 percent while the state averaged 82 percent.