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Read 180 award winner
Posted in on May 2, 2023

A third grader from Johns Elementary and a student support interventionist from Dunn Elementary made Arlington ISD proud recently. They earned national recognition for their achievements in reading and teaching reading.

The awards came from Read 180, a national program designed to help students who are behind in reading make rapid gains. About 4,000 Arlington ISD students participate in Read 180.

The winners were honored last week at the Arlington ISD Administration Building in a ceremony complete with cupcakes and gifts.

Aubrey Washington

Aubrey Washington loves to learn. That was obvious at the Read 180 Awards ceremony where she was most excited about receiving a “Kids Encyclopedia.”

The Johns third grader was one of just 12 students in the nation honored for exceptional success in reading improvement.

“She made two grade levels of growth in one semester,” said Michelle Webb, Arlington ISD interventions specialist.

The 17th annual awards program honors students who, with the help of their remarkable teachers, have made notable progress in literacy and math achievement as well as personal growth outside the classroom.

Read 180 awards“The 2023 National 180 Awards recognizes students across the U.S. who overcame significant obstacles to become thriving, successful learners,” said Tabitha Reever, a state adoption segment director with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the learning technology company that sponsors the awards.

Aubrey is the first student in the district to win the award since Meleny Cedillo in 2016, then a Bryant Elementary sixth grader. Meleny, now a senior at Bowie High School, came to the ceremony to help present the award to Aubrey.

“I’m proud of you,” she said to Aubrey with a hug.

Just as proud of Aubrey is her teacher, Dagmar Cox-Sanchez. In nominating Aubrey for the award, Cox-Sanchez wrote, “Now you can hear her across the classroom since she reads aloud and feels proud of her learning. Aubrey demonstrates that any goal can be achieved by working hard and persevering.”

Heather Juarez

Behind every successful student is a dedicated educator. And that’s exactly what Heather Juarez, a student support interventionist at Dunn, is.

Heather Juarez wins Read 180 awardJuarez received the 180 Educator Award, given to remarkable educators who demonstrate that it is never too late to open new doors to academic success. These educators exemplify unwavering dedication, with a focus on helping striving students overcome both personal and academic obstacles.

Gabby Riehle, an Arlington ISD interventions specialist, nominated Juarez for the award and shared why at the ceremony.

“I could see your heart with your kids,” Riehle said. “You share your time and talent with other teachers … and you are constantly wanting to grow.”

Congratulations Aubrey and Juarez on your Read 180 awards!