The Washington State School Directors Association and WSSDA’s Diversity-Multicultural Advocacy Team named Bridgeport School District the 2004 Diversity Winner. The award, which was presented by WSSDA President Sandy Collins at this year’s annual conference, recognized Bridgeport for outstanding achievement in promoting diversity and multicultural education.

School board member Tracy Zahn offered his congratulations to staff and students for making this possible. Zahn noted that the culture and the climate of the school district created an educational environment that welcomes all students. Bridgeport is holding to its promise to leave no child behind.

Bridgeport has been very active in promoting diversity and multicultural programs. Student leadership was a strong focus. High school student representatives serve on the city council, the school board, and travel to Olympia to meet with state legislators. An expanded outreach to families proved leadership training to over 200 parents. Nationally recognized speaker, Consuelo Kickbusch, was instrumental in this effort.

Efforts of teachers and students in the classroom were acknowledge by WSSDA. Bridgeport students rapidly closed the achievement gap with other students in the state over the past several years. In fact, a higher percent of Bridgeport 4th graders met the WASL standard in math than the state average, setting the stage for a 2004 National Title 1 Distinguished School Award.

Partnerships with Mexico and area colleges played a big part in Bridgeport’s efforts to diversify. An exchange teacher program with Mexico created content classes in Spanish for newly arriving immigrants. Wenatchee Valley College English courses are taught in Bridgeport. A Nursing Assistant Certificate program will soon be introduced.

Technology and online learning has helped the district diversify. Bridgeport partnered with ESD 171 to expand it technology potential. Online courses are now available to students and staff. A digital recording of Bridgeport’s Mariachi class was shown at the opening ceremony of the Bi-National Conference this past month.

There are many other ways that Bridgeport has worked to implement equity in education. First and second order change caused a dynamic rethinking of classroom teaching methods which led to the Migrant Education News highlighting Bridgeport as an exemplary school in its 2004 edition.

School superintendent Gene Schmidt and special program’s director Mary Anton nominated the school board for the WSSDA award, stating, “There are three kinds of school districts. Those who watch things happen. Those that wonder what happened. And, those who make things happen.” Bridgeport made things happen. The school and community banded together and worked hard to improve the climate and culture.

Bridgeport’s success resulted in a dramatic jump in enrollment. Over 80 new students enrolled in the district. In small schools, people vote with their feet. Follow their tracks and those footprints lead to our school doors.