Three Forsyth County Elementary Schools Named 2011 Georgia Schools of Excellence

, and Elementary Schools have been named 2011 Georgia Schools of Excellence in Student Achievement announced by State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge, in a news release.

“We are thrilled that the hard work of our teachers and students at these three elementary schools has been recognized as Georgia Schools of Excellence,” said Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans. “Our schools are making great gains in student achievement and are focused on providing the very best learning experience for students and their families.”

A total of 26 schools have shown the greatest improvement or highest achievement across the state. Georgia Natural Gas will give each of these schools a $1,000 check to be used however they wish.

Settles Bridge Elementary is being recognized for greatest gains for demonstrating greatest continuous gains in student achievement for the past three years as measured by assessments in reading and mathematics.

“We at Settles Bridge Elementary School are humbled to be recognized in such a prestigious way,” said Principal Donna Morris. “This award exemplifies the tireless and long term commitment of our teachers, students and parents partnering together to achieve excellence in education.”

Additionally, Shiloh Point and Vickery Creek Elementary Schools are being recognized for being in the top 10 percent in Georgia as measured by assessments in reading and mathematics. The principals at both schools stated on the Forsyth County Schools Web site how humbled and honored they are for these achievements.

“I am so pleased that the extraordinary efforts of Shiloh Point's students, staff, and families have been acknowledged with the Georgia School of Excellence designation,” said Principal Rebecca Johnson. “We are humbled and honored by this recognition, and remain committed to doing our best to serve the children and families of Forsyth County.”

“Vickery Creek Elementary is both honored and humbled by receiving this prestigious distinction awarded by the Georgia DOE, and appreciates the investment that Georgia Natural Gas has made in the educational system,” said Principal Ron McAllister.

In order to be considered for the recognition, a school must:

• Meet AYP for a minimum of three consecutive years
• Meet or exceed state mean scores in Science and Social Studies (with the exception of K-2 schools, which do not test in this area)
• Not be considered a “Persistently Dangerous School” under the Unsafe School Choice Option of No Child Left Behind
• Offer a minimum of two AP courses (grades 9-12 only)
• Be in existence for five years

The Georgia Schools of Excellence are honored in two categories. Qualifying schools are chosen from each Congressional District in the following categories:

2011 GEORGIA SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE

GREATEST GAINS
Congressional District, School, System

1. Matilda Harris Elementary, Camden County

2. Potter Street Elementary, Decatur County

3. Rosemont Elementary, Troup County

4. Pine Street Elementary, Rockdale County

5. Clairmont Elementary, City Schools of Decatur

6. Sprayberry High, Cobb County

7. Level Creek Elementary, Gwinnett County

8. Heard-Mixon Elementary, Newton County

9. Settles Bridge Elementary, Forsyth County

10. Demorest Elementary, Habersham County

11. Hillgrove High, Cobb County

12. Ester F. Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts, Savannah-Chatham County

13. Stockbridge Elementary, Henry County

TOP 10 PERCENT
Congressional District, School, System

1. Oglethorpe Point Elementary, Glynn County

2. Westside Elementary, Lowndes County

3. Peeples Elementary, Fayette County

4. Oak Grove Elementary, DeKalb County

5. Morningside Elementary, Atlanta Public Schools

6. Vanderlyn Elementary, DeKalb County

7. Shiloh Point Elementary, Forsyth County

8. Alexander II Magnet, Bibb County

9. Vickery Creek Elementary, Forsyth County

10. Stevens Creek Elementary, Columbia County

11. Jones Elementary, Bremen City

12 Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah-Chatham County

13. Holly Springs Elementary, Douglas County