‘Achieve. Believe. Contribute.’: Chelan Middle School honored by state board

CHELAN — There are banners schools hang in hallways for championships, and then there are the quieter victories, the kind built day by day in classrooms, in relationships, and in the steady belief that every student belongs and can succeed.

Chelan Middle School is celebrating one of those victories after earning statewide recognition from the Washington State Board of Education for outstanding progress in closing achievement gaps and improving academic growth.

Only 16% of schools statewide earned recognition this year, placing CMS among a select group of schools across Washington recognized for student success and measurable growth.

For Chelan Middle School Principal Terry Sanders, the honor reflects years of intentional work by staff and students alike.

“This award is the result of focused instruction, exceptional teamwork, systems that intentionally support academics, behavior, and attendance, and a shared belief that every student can achieve at high levels,” Sanders said. “Our staff has worked intentionally to create high expectations with high levels of support, with numerous structures that help ensure success for our students.”

The recognition program, operated through a partnership between the Washington State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, highlights schools demonstrating exceptional progress in areas including growth, achievement and closing gaps.

Chelan Middle School earned recognition for Closing Gaps after making significant gains on the Washington School Improvement Framework following its 2024 identification for Targeted Supports. The school also ranked among the top 10% statewide in multiple academic growth measures from the 2023-24 to 2024-25 school years.

Sanders said the school’s success came from more than test scores alone.

“We don’t set goals in August and hope they pay off in June,” Sanders said. “Our team has created an environment where all students feel connected, supported, and challenged, and we as the adults have put in place the checks and balances along the way to ensure the learning and growth happens, and we have fun along the way.”

Superintendent Brad Wilson called the recognition a reflection of the entire Chelan community’s investment in its students.

“This recognition is a celebration of our students, staff, families, and the Chelan community,” Wilson said. “To be among just 16% of schools in Washington recognized this year speaks to the strength of Chelan Middle School’s work and the commitment of our educators to help every student grow.”

The district said the recognition aligns closely with its broader mission of supporting students academically, socially and emotionally while fostering a sense of belonging and connection throughout the school community.

For a district that often speaks about its “Chelan ABCs,” Achieve. Believe. Contribute., the award felt less like a finish line and more like proof the work is taking root.

And in the classrooms of Chelan Middle School, that work continues every day, one student at a time.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media