High MCAS scores and a state Department of Education commendation resulted in praise for staff and students at Wednesday night’s Marion School Committee meeting.

“Congratulations to students, staff and administrators,” Superintendent Doug White said. “Sippican School is one of 42 schools in the state to earn the commendation distinction, and this is a great accomplishment.”

Specifically, the school was commended for narrowing the performance gaps of student scores measured against state averages. The rating determines whether a district or school is improving.

“It is special to be one of 42 out of 1,900 public schools in the state,” said Principal Lyn Rivet on the commendation. “A lot of hard work has been done and recognized by myself and [Assistant Principal Sarah Goerges.]”

Rivet said she would continue to ask staff for input on how to best maintain the high scores.

“There’s more work to be done,” she said.

Though MCAS tests are administrated to third, fifth and sixth grade students, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos said an excellent curriculum in the lower grades at Sippican School helped to set the foundation for future high marks.

“While [kindergarten through second grade] are not MCAS tested grades, the work done there builds up so that we have the kind of success that we are now celebrating,” said Frangos.

MCAS scores from all tri-town schools will be reviewed at a joint school committee scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the junior high school’s media room.

The public is welcome to attend.

“Parents who come to that meeting will get the long view on what’s happening at Sippican School and the junior high school and high school,” Frangos said.