City, County Schools Get High Marks

Kathy Tate

by Gene Marrano

Grandin Court Elementary, Crystal Spring Elementary and Preston Park Elementary have all received the 2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards from Governor Bob McDonnell and the State Board of Education. Crystal Spring and Grandin Court received the Board of Education Excellence Award and Preston Park received the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award.

Crystal Spring principal Kathy Tate wasn’t sure at first why Crystal Spring was singled out- then she named everyone from the teachers and PTA to bus drivers and cafeteria workers as being responsible for the Excellence Award.  “It’s a matter [of] being life long learners,” said Tate as to why the governor bestowed the VIP award.  “We have very high expectations.”

From bus drivers who “get the kids to school on time,” and a cafeteria staff that serves nutritious meals, Tate said many are involved in making the South Roanoke school stand out.  An “outstanding preschool program,” said Tate helps prepare students to be “well prepared,” for first grade and beyond; Spanish taught in the 4th and 5th grades helps those who will take up the language in high school. Credits earned for Spanish at Crystal Spring can apply towards high school requirements as well.

Teachers are willing to tutor after hours, “just to assure that all kids succeed, [and] they don’t get paid for it,” added Tate.  “Wonderful,” instructional assistants help out in the classroom as well.  She also cited parents and the PTA, which has “provided  a ton of technology.” The PTA has made sure each teacher has a laptop and is working on supplying interactive whiteboards for each classroom.

Parents also take advantage of special nights at Henry’s Memphis Barbeque, Maggie Moo’s and Sonic, when 10% of the proceeds goes to Crystal Spring.  “Some extra money,” is how Tate put it.

The VIP award is based on each school’s student achievement and for far exceeding minimum state and federal accountability standards during the 2009-10 school year. “It takes all of us,” said Tate as to how Crystal Spring was honored, “we’re always on the go.”  Tate also said that Crystal Spring meets Standards of Learning benchmarks “every year.”

County Schools Also Honored: three schools in Roanoke County also earned the  2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards from Governor McDonnell and the State Board of Education: Cave Spring Elementary, Clearbrook Elementary and Cave Spring High School,

This is the third straight year Cave Spring Elementary School has received the Governor’s Award and the second year for Clearbrook Elementary School.

“I’m very proud of the staff, students and parents of these three schools,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange. “Receiving the Governor’s Award is a result of a tremendous amount of effort and dedication.”

To qualify for the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years. Other guidelines pertain to nutrition and physical activity.

Twelve schools in Roanoke County earned the Board of Education’s Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program. Statewide, 323 schools statewide earned the Excellence Award.  The elementary schools in Roanoke County are: Back Creek Elementary, Bonsack, Glen Cove, Glenvar, Green Valley, Masons Cove, Oak Grove and Pen Forest. Glenvar and Hidden Valley middle schools also received the award.

Seven schools in Roanoke County earned the Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award, which recognizes schools and divisions that have met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward VIP objectives. Named were Burlington, Fort Lewis, Herman L Horn, Mount Pleasant, Mountain View and W.E. Cundiff elementary schools, and Glenvar High School.

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Related Articles