CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Education named its Schools of Excellence for the 2013-14 school year, and from the 10 that made the exclusive list only one is a high school.
Herbert Hoover High School in Kanawha County earned the honor for the first time.
“We are very excited about it,” said Hoover principal Mike Kelley. “I know everybody in the Elk River community is excited about it and certainly we are at the school as well.”
Kelley, in his fourth year at Hoover, said working toward the School of Excellence distinction has been a goal from the start.
“What it comes down to is great teachers and smart, motivated students with a strong community behind them,” Kelley said. “I think that’s been our recipe for success.”
Starting next fall a sign will hang at the school entrance proclaiming the school’s honor. Kelly said it will not only be a source of pride, but also a source of inspiration to build on.
“Every time they enter the building next year, they’re going to walk past that sign,” he said. “That just raises the bar, raises their expectations, and raises our expectations as a school and as a staff.”
Other Schools of Excellence include:
Berkeley County: Hedgesville Elementary
Brooke County: Colliers Primary
Cabell County: Culloden Elementary
Clay County: Big Otter Elementary
Grant County: Maysville Elementary
Mercer County: Mercer County Technical Center
Nicholas County: Panther Creek Elementary
Ohio County: West Liberty Elementary
Randolph County: Randolph Technical Center
The Department of Education selected the schools using the following criteria:
♦ Rigorous and challenging curriculum
♦ A safe and drug-free learning environment
♦ Participatory leadership
♦ Active teaching and learning
♦ An environment that strengthens teacher skills
♦ Documented student achievement
♦ Implementing advanced and innovated programs.
The schools will be honored at a banquet and reception Oct. 9 at the Clay Center in Charleston.