CLAFLIN — Claflin High School and Claflin Elementary School have both received the Governor’s Achievement Awards for the 2010-11 school year, and Ellinwood’s St. Joseph School have also received the award.

This is the third year CHS received the award and the second year for CES.

"It’s exciting," said Marlene Clayton, lead teacher for St. Joseph School in Ellinwood. "The kids work very hard. The teachers work very hard."

This is the second Governor’s Award St. Joseph School has received. "The kids will be excited, too," said Clayton. "In 2008-09 when we got it, I thought it wouldn’t happen again. To get it again is jut amazing. I’m really proud of the kids."

"The Governor’s Achievement Award is a significant recognition for Kansas schools," said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Diane DeBacker. "The accomplishment recognizes a school’s high expectations and the ability of the school staff to assist students in achieving to those expectations."

The criteria for the award are:

•Achievement of the Standard of Excellence in both reading and math for 2011.

•The school made Adequate Yearly Progress in both reading and math.

•For elementary schools, attendance, and high schools, graduation rate.

•The school must be in the top 5 percent in both reading and math on the 2011 state assessments.

Forty-three elementary school, 11 junior high schools and 18 high schools qualified for the award.

Both USD 112 schools received a plaque at the Wednesday school board meeting at CPHS-Claflin on Wednesday.