RATHDRUM — Twin Lakes Elementary School in Rathdrum was recognized Wednesday as a reward school by State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra.

To qualify as a reward school, according to a news release, an institution must have a poverty rate of at least 35 percent and be included in the top 5 percent of schools that meet all annual measurable objectives in English and mathematics. Lakeland Joint School District Superintendent Brad Murray told The Press Wednesday that being identified by the state department of education as a distinguished school is an honor, and reflective of the district's commitment to excellence.

"Having Twin Lakes Elementary identified as a reward school is definitely a testament to the effort and hard work by all of the staff members and students," Murray added. "Utilizing a collaborative model in our small community schools allows us to serve the needs of all of our students."

According to the release, economically disadvantaged students at Twin Lakes Elementary performed 22.8 percent higher than the state average in English, and 19.1 percent higher than the state average in mathematics.

Although principal Patty Morrison is a new addition to the staff at Twin Lakes, she told The Press she has enjoyed being a part of the school and getting involved in the excitement that comes with the recognition.

"We have hard-working students here and I appreciate the dedicated families we have who partner with us to help their children learn," Morrison said. "All of the staff has high expectations that all of our kids can learn and build strong character. I'm positive this shared vision for our students contributes to these great results."

Twin Lakes was identified as a reward school based on assessment data from spring 2015 and, according to the release, will receive a monetary award from the Title I Academic Achievement Award fund. The release adds Twin Lakes and the other schools identified this year as reward schools have the distinction of being the last schools identified under the federal No Child Left Behind program.

"Under the new Every Student Succeeds Act, identifying reward schools is no longer in the law," the release states. "Each school will receive a monetary award..."