All three Marion high schools get SREB nod

By Katie Wilson
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT June 13, 2007 01:06 am

— All three Marion County high schools are receiving some well-deserved accolades.
The county schools participate in the Southern Region Educational Board’s “High Schools That Work” program. This year, the SREB designated Fairmont Senior High a Pacesetter School.
North Marion High and East Fairmont High received the Gold Improvement Award for improvements made from 2004 to 2006.
Only five schools statewide received recognition from SREB, three of those are in Marion County.
“We’ve only been involved in HSTW for four years,” said Linda Collins, HSTW coordinator for Marion County Schools. “This really is an honor.”
Superintendent of Schools James Phares echoed Collins’ sentiments, noting the awards affirm the goals the high schools have been working toward. He said the SREB uses data and background information to prove the schools are “doing good things.”
“This is not a popularity contest,” Phares said. “You must work to get it.”
The awards will be recieved next month at the yearly SREB conference in New Orleans, Phares said. Marion County will send about 70 staff members, including teams from each high school and middle school, to the conference, he said.
Information from the SREB indicates the Pacesetter award is earned by schools that “have gone deep with the HSTW model.” Pacesetter Schools receive a banner and award certificate and are recommended to other schools as model HSTW schools.
FSHS principal Chad Norman said the school is thrilled with the honor.
“This puts Fairmont Senior in unique company,” Norman said. “The credit goes to teachers, students and our parents.”
He noted the dedication of master teachers at the school to the HSTW principals is what sets FSHS apart.
The Gold Improvement Award designates schools that have made significant improvement between 2004 and 2006.
Phares indicated EFHS and NMHS earned this award because of each school’s ability to improve student performance.
EFHS principal David Nuzum said the school focuses on curriculum and instruction and providing teachers with the techniques to reach every student, regardless of proficiency.
“We’re not working harder, but working smarter,” Nuzum said.
Reaching every student is what teachers at NMHS are devoted to, NMHS principal Judd Ashcraft said. As requirements for rigor in the classroom rise, the school has implemented a support system, like academic support courses and tutoring, to make sure every student succeeds.
“We’re incresing efforts to raise rigor and at the same time, giving extra help,” Ashcraft said. “It’s that coordinated effort that sets us apart.”
Both Nuzum and Ashcraft said their schools would look at the awards as wonderful recognition and a springboard to greater success.
“We’ll use this as a stepping stone, rather than a summit,” Nuzum said.
E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.