Teasley Middle Named 2015 Reward School

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Canton’s Teasley Middle School has been recognized as a 2015 Reward School: Highest-Progress for its increased student achievement from 2011 to 2014.

The designation recognizes top performing Title I schools in Georgia each year, and Highest-Progress schools are among the top 10 percent of the state’s Title I schools in improving the performance of all students over a three-year period on state assessments.

Teasley was recognized for its achievement by the Georgia Department of Education.

Title I is a federal program that provides additional resources to schools serving a high number of economically disadvantaged families. More than half -- 53 percent -- of the students at Teasley qualified to receive free or reduced cost meals last year.

“The Teasley Middle School administrators, teachers and support staff are all to be commended for their outstanding efforts to ensure that the students with the most challenges are given every opportunity to succeed,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo. “In the Cherokee County School District, we embrace the fact that it takes unequal resources to meet unequal needs, and this recognition is evidence that the additional supports and programs enacted at Teasley Middle School are having the desired effect, which is driving up achievement for all students, including those who face some very real challenges in all parts of their lives.”

Teasley Principal Dr. Sue Zinkil said staff and students are very appreciative of all the support they receive from the school district and the community to help students succeed.

“The superintendent and his staff could not be more supportive of schools like Teasley that need more flexibility and assistance in meeting the needs of our students,” Dr. Zinkil said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work put forth by our parents and families, as well as the Teasley staff, to ensure their students’ success.”

Teasley serves 1,400 students in grades 6 through 8 in Canton.

It is part of the Cherokee Innovation Zone and enrolls students from Canton, Clayton, Hasty, Knox and RM Moore elementary schools.

Teasley was named a Distinguished Breakout Middle School by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals in 2013 and was a finalist for the Georgia Family Friendly Partnership Award in 2014.

The Technology Association of Georgia also named Teasley Middle School as a finalist in its State STEM Awards in 2015.

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Image via Cherokee County School District