Fifth-grader Dixie Lewis read the proclamation in front of staff and students. It congratulated Carpenters Elementary for being named a 2014-15 Reward School, saluted its administration, faculty, staff, students and parents on the prestigious honor and extended the body’s best wishes for continued success in the future. The state Department of Education named Carpenters Elementary and Sam Houston Elementary as 2014-15 Reward Schools. Only 170 Tennessee schools received the designation, which represent the top 5 percent of schools for academic achievement and top 5 percent for annual student growth.

 

Of these schools, 76 were recognized for overall academic achievement and 85 were recognized for annual value-added growth. Carpenters Elementary was recognized for progress, and Sam Houston Elementary was recognized for performance. Both schools were previously recognized in 2011-12. The House of Representatives’ proclamation recognizes Carpenters Elementary’s administrators, faculty and staff for building an “environment that ensures students have the best atmosphere for learning.” It further noted that the “dedication to academic excellence” is “clearly deserving of the respect, admiration and commendation” of the body. “We’re truly a team here,” said Principal Katrina Gravitte. “Everybody — teachers, students, parents and volunteers — works together.”

 

Since June, the team has brought three recognitions back to Blount County. It received Keep Blount Beautiful’s Bravo! Award and Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Organization of the Year Award in June, then the Reward School designation in August. “It’s important that we celebrate successes together,” Gravitte said. “Everybody needs to be recognized for their hard work.” The entire student body also needs to be recognized for being named a Reward School, even though it’s awarded based upon achievement test results for grades 3-8, she said. “Everything starts in kindergarten. We want them to participate, so they can hear our expectations, learn that education is important and see our culture of success.”

 

“We’re pleased and proud of Carpenters Elementary,” said Blount County Director of Schools Rob Britt in August. “CES continues to be a high-performing school, and this recognition is a tribute to our teachers, students and whole school community.”