By Rebecca Rider 

rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The district is holding its breath for the release of 2015-2016 test scores.

The 2015-2016 R.E.A.D.Y. Accountability Report will be presented to the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Wallace Educational Forum Board Room. The report contains district information about performance on end-of-grade and end-of-course state assessments, ACT scores, graduation rates annual growth as measured by the EVAAS assessment and school performance grades.

Superintendent Dr. Lynn Moody said that the school system will provide the board with a “snapshot” of the district’s progress, and a look the system’s “big picture.” While Moody said the system didn’t make gains in every single grade level or category, it did make “forward progress,” and she’s pleased with the results.

“The news is positive, and we are excited about being about to reveal that. We still have a great deal of work to do, but we believe that we’re headed in the right direction,” she said.

Following the called meeting, the school system is hosting a “street party” in celebration at 5 p.m. Moody said the event was inspired by college celebrations after a championship win, when everyone rushed downtown to yell and celebrate.

“Why wouldn’t you do that when you got that good result you’ve been working so hard on?” She said.

The street party will be held at the bell tower on West Innes Street, and will feature a performance by the Jesse. C. Carson High School drum line band and possible speeches by members of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education. Moody said it was an opportunity to let teachers and students know that they, and the work they’ve been doing, are appreciated.

“For just a few minutes, we want an opportunity to really celebrate,” she said.

Students, parents and staff are invited to come to the party, which is expected to be brief, wearing their school colors and carrying school banners or posters. Free T-shirts will be given out while supplies last.

“We just won the game,” Moody said.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.