Teachers, students honored for Gravette school’s achievement

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

— More than 50 faculty members at Gravette High School attended a called “staff” meeting following the dismissal of classes last Wednesday, but it was more than a staff meeting. The event was really a reception to compliment and honor the group of educators and other staff members to recognize their efforts in achieving recognition for the school.

It was a “high fi ve” celebration.

Copies of the GHS “Student Shout Out!” brochure were distributed. It included the following announcement:

“Each year, the Offi ce of Education Policy at the University of Arkansas creates a report titled the Outstanding Educational Performance Awards highlightling the highest-performing schools in Arkansas based on the Benchmark and Endof-Course exams.

“These awards are based on the OEP-created ‘school GPA,’ calculated on the basis of the percentage of students that perform at a particular level onthe Benchmark exam (advanced, profi cient, basic and below basic).

“‘High-Achieving High Schools’ awards are given to high-achieving schools for their performance on Endof-Course exams in Algebra, Geometry, Biology and the Grade 11 Literacy Exam.

“GHS was recognized for achievement on both the Algebra and Literacy OEC exams.”

The school’s “High-Achievement” designation placed them fi fth among 239 high schools in Arkansas for Algebra Achievement. GHS also tied for 18th for Grade 11 Literacy Achievement.

A letter to the school from the OEP stated: “We congratulate you on this accomplishment and hope that you will relate this good news with teachers, students and others who contributed to your school’s success.”

The hour-long meeting was held in the GHS commons, where high school principal Jay Chalk; superintendent Richard Page; Susan Santos, a member of the school board; and four members of the GHS Parent-Teacher Organization,Rhonda Russ, Brenda Lockhart, Mary Helen Smither and Kim Yarbrough, complimented the group for the achievement.

Briefly, in his remarks in addition to relaying information and compliments, the principal issued a challenge that “our goal is to keep improving ... by working hard every day. We still have lots of work to do.”

Superintendent Page pointed out the achievement involved “partnership”. He complimented the teachers and also stated, “We are fortunate to havegreat parents. Continue to do your part as teachers (and staff). We are all teachers,” he declared.

Ms. Santos, in complimenting the group, noted that the achievement “started way back (in lower grades) and was culminated here.” Another school board member, Dan Yates, was present and mingled among the crowd offering good words.

Ladies from the PTO, which was the group which sponsored the reception, all added words of congratulation and support. The ladiesserved refreshments of cake and soft drinks.

A note by Principal Chalk in the “Shout Out!” brochure also stated that “GHS is one of only three high schools in the state to offer a biomedical science program to students. It is also one of the state’s leading providers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education program which provides a foundation and a proven path to college and career success.”

Also a successful tutorial program with teachers and students is customized tofit individual student needs. Students Celebrate

On Friday morning, a “Chill Out Celebration” was held for students at the high school.

Principal Jay Chalk took the intercom microphone to announce the recognition the high school had received. Students participated in various games and activities, coordinated by teachers and staff, throughout the building.

The Parent-Teacher Organization then served refreshments to all students.

Sports, Pages 13 on 11/27/2013