State Superintendent of Schools Awards Commendations in Wheeler

By Deborah Clark Regional Editor dclarkadvance@gmail.com

State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods visited Wheeler County School April 28 to congratulate students, teachers, staff and administration on achieving exemplary test scores in math.

“This is a day for celebrations. These are the academic state championship banners for our state.” Woods said, as he presented banners to Wheeler High School continued from page

Principal William Bell and Wheeler Middle School Principal Juaquita Williams in recognition of achievements made in math education.

Woods explained that last year the Georgia Department of Education launched its banner recognition program. “We started with literacy banners with the anticipation that we would expand. As much as we want our students to be able to read, we also want them to be able to do math. Those are our two foundational pillars,” the superintendent said.

“We completed our new milestones in math and new standards in math last year, so this year we have those in place and now have banners for elementary, middle and high school.

“These banners are not meant to be one and done. My anticipation is that I get to keep coming back,” he added, noting there are seven slots at the bottom of the banner where ribbons marking successive levels of achievement will be attached. “We recognize two things when we look at the ribbons. We look at growth, but the promised land you want to reach is proficiency.”

He noted that Wheeler County Middle School students (eighth grade) who took the high school portion of the Georgia Milestones in Mathematics test had an increase of 10.9%, while the Wheeler County High School saw an increase of 16.3%. “High school banners are the toughest to get,” Woods remarked.

He observed, “Any time I am giving out these banners, it always comes with a charge. As long as we have students in buildings, we have work that needs to be done. We have got to get the elementary school here.” He noted, “I don’t want to undercut the work that has been done, because I understand if this happened in high school something took place from pre-K all the way up.” He added that education is not accomplished in isolation. “Everything must come together to create an environment that is conducive to learning.” As impressive as the math achievements are, literacy is nonnegotiable, he emphasized. “The work that has been done with the math standards can be replicated with the new ELA standards that will go live next year.” He stressed that he wants to see all grade levels earning banners. “I want to come back next year and do a pinning ceremony,” he said. This will involve attaching the ribbons of achievement to the banners.

Glancing into the future, Woods said ribbons in science and social studies will be rolled out next. He also said that high school and CTAE (technical school) graduation banners which recognize the rate of graduation are on the horizon.

Also new are John Hancock signature banners which reward elementary students who are able to write their names in cursive. To qualify for this banner, 90% of third graders must be able to write their names in cursive. “It is very important that our students own their signatures.” Ability to write and read in cursive is part of the new school standards. In future years, the fourth and fifth grade students will be eligible to earn the banners.

Rep. Leesa Hagan (RLyons), who represents the 56th District in the Georgia House of Representatives, including Wheeler County, attended the awards ceremony. She noted, “I am so proud of these increased numbers. Keep up the good work.” She said education is a priority focus in her district as she chairs the Rural Development Committee in the House.

Wheeler County Board of Education member Judy Benton Browning, also in attendance, said, “I am thrilled with the progress being made. I think we are making great strides in education.”

Principal Williams commented, “As a principal, this is something you want for your students and your teachers. We have a phenomenal staff and work together so well. It’s an honor to have Superintendent Woods come and we look forward him coming many more times.”

Principal Bell said, “It’s good to see the vision come to pass. We have been working extremely hard through the years on math and literacy. It’s good to just to know our work has not been in vain. It’s validation that we are moving in the right direction. I am thankful for my staff.”

Wheeler County Superintendent of Schools Dr. C. Alex Alvarez, said, “We are excited to be recognized by Superintendent Woods. This recognizes the work of students, teachers, school leaders and the Board of Education. We plan to continue to win in the classroom and push our Wheeler Wins initiative where we are winning in the classroom, on the field and in life. We are excited to celebrate these wins and look forward to many more coming.”

In February, the School Board received some very good news. Dr. Alvarez announced that the system’s College and Career Readiness Performance Indicator (CCRPI) score has increased systemwide over 3.5 points in the past academic year. “Anything over 3 points is significant,” Dr. Alvarez pointed out. The score considers content mastery and graduation rate, which is maintaining around 90%, the superintendent said. The middle school increased its CCRPI score by 8.8 points, and the high school increased its score by 6.8 points. “It’s definitely something to celebrate,” Dr. Alvarez said.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT – A group of students, staff and administrators gathered in the lobby of Wheeler County School to celebrate the presentation of banners recognizing exemplary scores in math. Among those present were members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, school staff and administrators involved in testing and math education, and Board members.Photo by Deborah Clark