Monitor Editor
FLEMING ISLAND— The leadership of McRae Elementary School received the Exceeding Excellence Award during the Clay County School District’s Nov. 4 meeting.
Marjorie Murray of the East Coast Technical Assistance Center told school board members that of the 1,895 Florida Title 1 schools eligible for the recognition, only 26 qualified.
She said her organization used school-grade data from Florida’s Department of Education to determine the winners of the aaaward.
Murray said the criterion for the award includes being above the state median in proficiency on the Florida state assessment exam in the areas of English language arts and math and being above the state median for learning gains in E.L.A. and math.
“Although you must be a Title 1 school, you’re literally compared to all schools in the state,” she said, “Title 1 and non-Title 1, because that state median is established from all schools in the state.”
Murray said that instruction, community, and school and district leadership all play a role in student achievement.
“Standards-based, data-driven instruction; laser-focused intervention; visible supportive and actively engaged school leadership, who never forget that adults and children need to also have a little fun in school; parents and community who care about and support the school; and of course, the district leadership that provides targeted resources and support is the perfect combination for ensuring student success,” she said.
Murray presented the school’s recognition certificate to Principal Tammy Winkler, in addition to a separate award to Winkler herself.
She also handed over a check to the school.
“It’s only three hundred dollars,” Murray said, “but we’re a not-for-profit organization which doesn’t (receive) public funds.”
She added that the school could spend the money in whatever way it chose, perhaps to fund a celebration for the school’s staff.
