PASCO, Wash. -- Livingston Elementary School Principal Susan Sparks was selected as the 2012-13 Distinguished Elementary School Principal of the Year for the Lake Wallula region.
The award, which is sponsored by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and Elementary School Principals of Washington (ESPAW) was announced on Oct. 24. With this honor, Sparks is eligible for the National Distinguished Principal Award next school year.
Sparks, who has been principal of Livingston since 2000, was recognized for her knowledge of state standards, strong communication skills, and leadership abilities that support parental and staff involvement. She builds strong relationships with Livingston families and employees and creates a positive learning and working environment.
Under Sparks's leadership, Livingston Elementary has twice been recognized as a Washington State Distinguished School for academic achievement and improvement on state assessments. And, this year, Livingston Elementary was classified as a Reward school by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Reward schools are categorized as "Highest-performing" and "High-progress." As a "High-progress" school, Livingston has been among the top 10 percent of Title I schools in Reading and Math, combined, for three years.
Sparks began her teaching career at Livingston Elementary in 1982, and she can't imagine being anywhere else, she says.
