By Tonia Rose, staff writer
March 3, 2010 — West Carter Middle School certainly has something to cheer about since being named one of seven Kentucky schools added to the “Schools to Watch Program 2010.”
Out of 18 schools that applied for the STW program this year, 13 received site visits while seven were chosen. Designated schools are recognized for a three-year period.
Principal Sherry Horsley said it’s an honor to be principal over “such a great group of students.”
“I am just amazed by the recognition and so very proud,” she commented Friday.
During the Rock Crusher Curve dedication Monday at WCMS, Superintendent Darlene Gee told the assembly about the school’s accomplishment.
“This school has been recognized for a great honor, and I am very proud of each student and proud of the staff,” she said.
Mayor Danny Sparks stood and proclaimed March 1, 2010 as West Carter Middle School Day in Olive Hill.
The Schools to Watch program is a recognition and school improvement program for middle-level schools. The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform developed it. Kentucky is one of 19 states to implement the program in partnership with the National Forum.
West Carter Middle School was selected for it academic excellence, its responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents and its commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels.
Fran Salyers, coordinator of the Kentucky Schools to Watch Program, said WCMS focuses on student achievement. “At the same time they have established a very caring and safe learning environment for all students,” she commented. “Our STW visit team was very impressed with the school.”
Selection is based on a written application that requires schools to show how they meet criteria developed by the National Forum. A team of trained reviewers then made a visit to each selected school to observe classrooms and to conduct interviews with administrators, teachers, students and parents.
The STW team also looked at the achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work. At the end of the three-year period, recognized schools must repeat the process in order to be re-designated.
