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.” By Matthew Stewart-The Daily Times |
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