Berkeley schools honored: 21 claim Palmetto achievement awards

Twenty-one Berkeley County elementary and middle schools recently were recognized with Palmetto Gold and Silver awards. In its 10th year, the Palmetto awards program was created by the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize schools that attained high levels of performance and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

This year, 72 percent of the district’s elementary and middle schools were recognized in at least one category. Eleven schools were recognized in both categories. Schools received ‘Performance’ awards for overall performance based on both their absolute and growth ratings and the growth index found on state school report cards.

Schools received ‘Closing the Achievement Gap’ awards based on academic gains made by students who fall into four subgroups: African-American students, Hispanic students, students participating in federal free- or reduced-price lunch programs, and students with nonspeech disabilities.

‘We are thrilled to see so many of our schools qualifying for this recognition,’ said Rodney Thompson, district superintendent. ‘This demonstrates that our students are making great strides academically, and that our teachers are realizing results.’

Berkeley schools that received awards are:

Palmetto Gold: Cainhoy Elementary/Middle; Hanahan Middle; Westview Middle; Westview Elementary; Marrington Middle School of the Arts; Howe Hall AIMS Elementary; Macedonia Middle; Devon Forest Elementary; Berkeley Intermediate; Hanahan Elementary; and Daniel Island School.

Palmetto Silver: Cross Elementary; Henry E. Bonner Elementary; Whitesville Elementary; J.K. Gourdin Elementary; Marrington Elementary; Sangaree Intermediate; Sangaree Middle; Sedgefield Intermediate; Westview Primary; and Cane Bay Elementary.

Palmetto Gold Closing the Achievement Gap: Marrington Middle School of the Arts; Howe Hall AIMS Elementary; and Sangaree Intermediate.

Palmetto Silver Closing the Achievement Gap: Hanahan Middle; Westview Middle; Westview Elementary; Macedonia Middle; Devon Forest Elementary; Berkeley Intermediate; Hanahan Elementary; and Sangaree Middle.

More than 400 elementary, middle and special schools in the state earned recognition for academic achievement and closing achievement gaps in 2010. Awards for high schools will be announced at a later date.