The South Whidbey School District board of directors visited South Whidbey Elementary and Langley Middle School this week.

The purpose of these informal visits, according to the agenda, was to thank staff members for their work and to celebrate the district’s successes.

Staff members also received breakfast during the meeting as a gesture of gratitude.

The directors first stopped by Langley Middle School Wednesday morning, and then visited South Whidbey Elementary on Thursday morning.

At the meeting Thursday, superintendent Jo Moccia pointed out that the multitude of successes at South Whidbey High School — including ranking ninth in the state for student achievement and ranking in the College Board’s Annual Advanced Placement District Honor Roll — were thanks to combined efforts from staff in pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade classrooms.

“It’s clear to all of us that it took a pre-K through 12 achievement to get that recognition,” Moccia said.

At Langley Middle School, teachers had expressed their pleasure with the success of educational elements such as Common Core integration, team structures and improved school spirit.

Elementary school staff members present at Thursday’s meeting remarked upon additional positive points including the success of the school’s garden program and increased access to technology in the classroom.

Moccia also introduced Julie Hadden, who joined the school board approximately six weeks ago.

Hadden noted that she had stopped by several classrooms and was impressed with the schools as a whole as well as the individual rooms.

“What really makes this facility click is what you’re doing in those classrooms… they’re fabulous, it’s alive and vibrant,” she said. “Hats off to you for your hard work.”