Entz Elementary Beats Socio-Economic Odds

Mesa, AZ – Entz Elementary School in Mesa provides a rich learning experience to a student body of 39 percent poverty-level children and won a “blue ribbon” award to prove it.

Last year, the school was nominated and Principal David Finley applied for the award that would honor Entz for being academically superior and consistently improving student achievement. This year, Entz was one of four schools in Arizona and 314 in the nation that the U.S. Department of Education hand-picked as a top school to model after.

The way Finley sees it, “we are an excelling school whether we are recognized or not. All the elements are here…but it’s nice to get national recognition.” 

Entz meets all of the federal Education Department’s criteria to be a blue-ribbon school: Some 40 percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. The school’s test scores on the AIMS test are in the 60^th percentile, as well as achieving good marks in the state’s annual evaluations.

In 1999 only 15 percent of Entz’ students were on the free-or-reduced meal plan, but San Fernando Apartments brought a large influx of disadvantaged children, according to Finley. Unlike San Fernando, the two other apartment complexes that have been within Entz’ boundaries since the school’s opening are not government-subsidized, he said.

But the quality of education has not suffered and Finley embraces the resulting diversity of the socio-economic evolution. 

“We have nearly 40 percent free-or-reduced lunch students, and we’ve remained in the mid-80 percentile range on (AIMS) test scores, even with our changing demographics,” said the principal.

Most parents are unaware of the demographic criteria associated with the blue ribbon award, Finley admitted. And he doesn’t care to highlight it. While he appreciates the diversity factor, he focuses on “the skill level of the students and the professionalism of the teachers.”  

One parent confirmed she wasn’t aware of the 280 economically disadvantaged students at Entz, but she said they don’t change her attitude toward the school. “It just makes me realize how lucky we are that our teachers are so committed to reaching out to all kids. I think that the credit goes to them,” Sandy Kuchan said.

And she has no problem with diverse backgrounds in the classroom. “When they (kids) get out into the real world, it’s diverse. It’s not our wholesome little neighborhood,” Kuchan said.

There is no observable economic barrier between the rich and poor students, according to Finley. Only friendships, he said. In fact, the diverse learning environment hasn’t stirred trouble as the students are “well-inter-mixed,” the principal said.

Finley and teacher Kristi Barnette will attend a special ceremony and accept a flag and a plaque from the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3.

Entz proves that “just because a child has some challenges with their family doesn’t mean they can’t be successful,” according to Kathy Bareiss, spokeswoman for Mesa Unified School District.

The three other schools from Arizona who will accept a blue ribbon award in Washington are: Neely Traditional Academy in Gilbert, Jack Daley Primary School in Thatcher and Linden Elementary School in Show Low.         

An official ceremony will be held the week of Nov. 9 at Entz to celebrate their accomplishments.

Guest article contributed by Chelci Vaughan, Student
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

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