As you know, Discovery and Jason Lee middle schools recently were designatedTier II schools. This designation makes the schools eligible for federallyfunded competitive School Improvement Grants (SIGs). Grants are being madeavailable for 2010-2011 and beyond with funding through the American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These schools qualify because: 1) they areeligible for, but do not receive, Title I, Part A funds (eligibility is basedon the percentage of students from low-income families); and 2) they are in thestate's lowest five percent of “persistently lowest-achieving secondary schoolsthat are eligible for, but do not receive Title 1, Part A funds.” Principals Chris Olsen and Susan Cone have offered graciously to move toother schools to allow Discovery and Jason Lee to receive this additionalfunding, as required by federal guidelines. Their actions are about putting theneeds of students first. Poverty, student mobility, and second languagelearners significantly impact both Discovery and Jason Lee. These principalsrecognize that additional resources could improve student achievement at thesetwo schools. They are demonstrating value-based leadership, and I want to honorand recognize their contributions. I also want to acknowledge the “can-do”spirit and flexibility of Marianne Thompson and Curtis Smith, who have acceptedthis new challenge. They are eager to get started.I was pleased to see The Columbianhighlight the assets and recent improvement efforts at Discovery and Jason Lee.Over the past three years, Discovery has implemented whole school reformthrough the Middle Years Programme, an internationally recognized academicprogram similar to the International Baccalaureate program for high schoolstudents. Discovery also has a Challenge/Honors program. Jason Lee is themiddle school magnet site for English Language Learners and a Challenge/Honorsprogram and recently implemented Advancement via Individual Determination(AVID), a College Board program designed to develop student college readinessskills. The strategies identified as part of the grant application extend theimprovement efforts currently underway and are aligned with the district'sDesign II Strategic Plan (e.g., extended school day, tiered interventions, andincreased family and community engagement).Faculty and staff at both schools have wondered, “So what does this Tier IIdesignation mean?”  As ChrissBurgess, associate superintendent, was quoted in The Columbian, “It means high accountability for everyone.”  If the grant is awarded, additionalresources will be provided to assist those schools and their communities. Staffmembers who choose to remain at those schools will have more support to make adifference with students impacted by poverty. Resources are crucial.  Striking the right balance betweenaccountability and support can lead to transformative results. Teamwork,collaboration and tenacity are essential ingredients, too. This work is notjust Discovery's or Jason Lee's “heavy lifting” to do alone. This work is notjust the responsibility of core instructional staff within the two schools.This work will require us collectively to roll up our sleeves and do whateverit takes to get the job done, regardless of our roles. I have a great deal ofconfidence in our principals, faculty, staff, and district leadership team toensure that our students in both schools cross the finish line.