SEES Students Honored at School Board Meeting

Last night's school board meeting featured more than just business as usual as thirteen different students from South Edmonson Elementary were recognized and honored for achieving distinguished overall test scores (the highest marks possible) in reading and math.  

Principal Jamie Woosley reported on the improvements that his school has made. Statewide, SEES has improved it's school wide testing scores a whopping 57% in just two years. Since 2012, the third and fourth graders' reading scores have increased 20%, math 15%, science 15%, while language arts rose 12%.

Woosley also said that while he's proud of these numbers, it takes more than numbers to prepare elementary school students for the future. He says "The Leader In Me" program is making an enormous impact at South Edmonson. "The Leader In Me focus on things not taught in regular subjects. It basically focuses on helping students do the right thing when no one is looking," he said. The program teaches about character, responsibility, helping others, and honesty. "The other day, a student was given two snacks from the vending machine as they tried to make a purchase. That student turned one of them into the office because they felt it was the right thing to do." He said that those small examples now can turn into much bigger things in the future.  

From L-R: Danielle Hartz, Ryley Jones, Callie Webb, Principal Woosley, Cameron Whitfill, Lily Jayne Vincent, Brylee Honeycutt, Reagan Nunn, Claire Burklow, Alyssa Doyle, Glenna Crisp, Ty Brantley, Andrew Talley, MaKalee Thompson (D.Doyle)

Other local schools were also honored with high marks as ECHS was awarded the distinction of Proficient, and Kyrock Elementary and ECMS were both awarded Distinguished Honors, with ECMS rating in the top 95% statewide. 

Above: ECHS Principal Tommy Hodges accepts the award banner from Superintendent Patrick Waddell.

Above: ECMS Principal Brandon Prunty with the Distinction banner from Waddell.

Above: We thought it would be ok to let them have a little fun...

Darren Doyle, Story and Photos