Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Sweet Success: Celebrating Our SBA Achievement Award Winners

Students with medals

Last week, the gym at Columbia Elementary was filled with pride as we gathered to celebrate the incredible academic milestones of our students. Principal Havig held a special awards assembly to honor last year’s 3rd and 4th graders who earned passing scores on the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). As she welcomed back last year’s 4th graders to join our current students for the ceremony, it was a wonderful opportunity to see familiar faces and celebrate the foundation of hard work they built during their time in those grade levels.

During the assembly, Principal Havig called each qualifying student to the stage to receive:

  • An official Certificate of Achievement
  • A commemorative CES Beaver-Kit Academic Achievement Medal to wear with pride

It was a morning of recognition, reflection, and—of course—a little bit of sugar! The festivities didn't end with the final applause. Immediately following the ceremony, award winners and their families headed to our Ice Cream Social. It was a joy to see students enjoying a well-deserved treat as they celebrated their achievements with their families.

Why This is a Big Deal

Earning a "passing" score on the SBA is a significant milestone. In the world of state testing, "passing" the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) means a student has met or exceeded the grade-level expectations set by the state. The SBA is designed to test more than just memorization. It focuses on College and Career Readiness by evaluating:

  • Critical Thinking: How well a student can analyze a problem.
  • Writing & Communication: The ability to cite evidence and explain reasoning.
  • Problem Solving: Applying math concepts to real-world scenarios rather than just solving equations.

Reaching Level 3 (Meets Standard) or Level 4 (Exceeds Standard) means these scholars have mastered the rigorous grade-level expectations set by the state. It shows they are well-prepared for the challenges of the next grade and are on a fantastic path toward future success.

students celebrating

A Note of Thanks

To our students: Your perseverance and dedication to learning continue to inspire us. 

To the families: Thank you for your unwavering support and for joining us to make this event so special.

We are incredibly proud of the growth and excellence displayed by our Columbia Elementary scholars. Way to go, Beaver Kits!