Carolina Elementary one of five S.C. schools picked for National Blue Ribbon Award

Carolina Elementary School in Hartsville is one of five public schools statewide and 314 public and private schools nationwide named 2009 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon winners by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Tuesday.

An official award ceremony will take place in November in Washington, D.C.

Other Palmetto State winners include Chukker Creek Elementary in the Aiken County School District, Midland Elementary in Galivants Ferry in the Horry County School District, Ninety Six High School in Greenwood District 52 and Chapin High School in School District Five of Lexington and Richland counties.

“We’re real excited,” Carolina Elementary Principal Donna Barrett said.

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) says schools selected as National Blue Ribbon schools are models of excellence that other schools can emulate.

“Words just can’t express my appreciation to Carolina for what they have done over a number of years,” said Superintendent of Education Dr. Rainey Knight. “This didn’t just happen overnight. This is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication by teachers and administrators over the years who are committed to excellence. They’re one of the top 10 percent in South Carolina, and I just couldn’t be prouder of them and what they’ve accomplished.”

Shortly after the winning schools were announced on Tuesday, Barrett said she had the news broadcast over the school’s intercom system.

“The faculty and staff, they were so excited. Everybody was clapping and cheering,” said Barrett. “We applied for this last spring, so we’ve been waiting a long time. Everybody’s worked really hard since then to get this. The faculty and staff were just delighted.”

The five S.C. winners were nominated for the award by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex. The nominations were based on test scores and student improvement over the last three years, Barrett said. Once nominated, the school received a detailed application from the USDE.

To celebrate their achievement, Barrett said Carolina is planning a field trip to Swan Lake in Sumter for a picnic for the entire school - students, faculty and staff.

In past years, any school could apply to compete in the National Blue Ribbon program. The program was modified in 2001 to make selection criteria consistent with the goals of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

In the new system, the USDE determines how many nominees each state can submit. The federal agency allows South Carolina to nominate five schools. Nominees must then meet one of two criteria:
• Schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds and that show dramatic improvement in test scores to high levels in English language arts and mathematics.
• Schools, regardless of their demographics, that achieve in the top 10 percent of schools in the state.

Carolina Elementary, Chukker Creek Elementary and Ninety Six High School achieved in the top 10 percent, with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students. Midlands Elementary was in the top 10 percent – with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students – and also had dramatic improvement. Chapin High made the top 10 percent and has less than 40 percent disadvantaged students.

All five nominated S.C. schools not only met the basic criteria but also scored higher against those criteria than other schools in the state. All nominees had to have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the NCLB for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years, but also had to make AYP for the 2008-09 school year to be eligible for recognition.

Two people from each winning school – the principal and a teacher – are invited to the awards ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Each of the 264 public and 50 private schools receives a plaque signifying their NCLB-Blue Ribbon School status.

Carolina Elementary serves 253 students in grades one through five. Established 60 years ago, the school has a strong heritage and reputation for dedicated teachers and effective instruction.

It has received various types of recognition for academic accomplishments, implementation of best practices, community involvement and positive school climate.
Carolina’s success is a result of the combination of strong leadership, dedicated faculty and staff and active parental and community involvement, school district officials said.
Carolina’s programs and initiatives are based on specific student needs after careful analysis of achievement data. The school provides and maintains an after-school academic Quiz Bowl program to encourage an enthusiastic learning environment.

Effective school communication is enhanced by continuing improvements in technology. A Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program and an annual school-wide Dragon Fest Celebration help to create a positive learning environment and motivate Carolina students to strive for success, school officials said.