Wednesday, January 24, 2001
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Wednesday, January 24, 2001 |
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McIntosh named 2001 School of Excellence By MONROE
ROARK McIntosh High School has received an elite honor, having been named a School of Excellence for 2001 by the Georgia Department of Education. Only five high schools were among those named Friday, along with nine elementary and six middle schools. McIntosh officials were notified last Tuesday, prinicipal Greg Stillions said. McIntosh last received this status in 1987. "I'm ecstatic," said Stillions. "The faculty and staff deserve all the credit. They're the ones who make it happen teachers, secretarial staff, lunchroom and custodial everyone in the building." The Schools of Excellence program began in 1984. According to state officials, the nomination process focuses on several areas: student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; professional community; leadership and educational vitality; school, family and community partnerships; and indicators of success. Only one elementary, middle and high school can be nominated from each local district each year. Up to 33 total Schools of Excellence can be named three from each of Georgia's 11 congressional districts. "Georgia Schools of Excellence bring together the community and school to provide the best possible education for its students. Being selected as a Georgia School of Excellence is one of the highest honors our public school can receive," said state school Superintendent Linda Schrenko. "These schools have chosen to make a difference. Students, teachers and administrators, along with those in the community, have pulled together to achieve the goals of the Schools of Excellence program," she continued. "Again, this year's standards were very rigorous. I am pleased to commend these schools for their hard work and dedication." A detailed application process began the quest for School of Excellence status, Stillions said. The application involved every department at the school. Each school's application was read and evaluated by four different people who signed assurances indicating that they had no connection with the school in question, according to state officials. Finalists received site visits, in which an entire day was spent evaluating progress in each department. Each winning school gets a flag bearing the notification "School of Excellence 2001." A pair of road signs also will be provided to place in the community. All 20 of this year's winners will receive plaques at a banquet hosted by Schrenko in April. Stillions said that any member of the faculty and staff who wishes to attend will be able to do so. "They deserve it," he said. A special presentation was made to Stillions at Monday night's Fayette County Board of Education meeting, according to Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, the school system's public information specialist.
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