Greenwood public schools parents celebrated the district’s second consecutive “Successful” rating from the state Thursday evening at Greenwood High School.
Superintendent Margie Pulley told the crowd that the district’s success was due in large part to their encouragement and support.
“Teachers have worked very hard to make this happen. We’ve celebrated with them. Students have worked extremely hard to make this happen. We’ve celebrated with them. Now, it’s your turn,” Pulley said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. You are as much a part of our success as our teachers and students.”
Parents left with yard signs touting the rating, and more than a few carried away door prizes.
Part of the evening’s program was dedicated to analyzing the district’s state test scores. Pulley used a Power Point presentation to explain how test scores have increased since the district was rated “At Risk of Failing in 2008-2009.
She said during the 2010-2011 testing period all schools except one showed a double-digit increase in the number of students scoring “proficient” or “advanced” on state tests.
“The state average for ‘proficient’ and ‘advanced’ is 50 percent, and the Greenwood school district is at 50 percent,” Pulley said.
The superintendent gave a rundown on individual schools and their successes, while acknowledging work must still be done.
Bankston Elementary, which was named a “Star School” in 2010-2011, fell one level to “High Performing.” Pulley said it fell just three points short.
Threadgill Elementary, which is rated “Successful,” showed the biggest improvement in student achievement in the district.
Greenwood Middle School is rated “Successful” for the second year in a row. The school’s Algebra I scores exceed the state average, although only its top students take algebra while all students do so at high schools.
Greenwood High School is also rated “Successful.”
Davis Elementary is “Academic Watch,” and W.C. Williams Elementary is “Low Performing.”
Pulley said while Davis students’ test scores improved from the previous year, the school did not meet the criteria for growth. Williams’ scores also need to show greater improvement, she said.
She said administrators and teachers at both schools are taking steps to improve scores.
While Pulley zeroed in on the academic performances of the district, she did not forget to reward parents for their support and attendance by awarding of dozens of door prizes.
