Mountain City Elementary named ‘Exceptional School’ by State
 

By Jill Penley

Twenty-seven Title I schools in Tennessee performed in the top 10 percent in the state in reading/language arts and math the 2006-07 school year. These schools are the 2008 recipients of Title I Academic Achievement Awards for their exceptional academic performance and for meeting the adequate yearly progress goals of No Child Left Behind for two consecutive years.

“We are extremely proud of Mountain City Elementary,” said Morris Woodring, Johnson County Director of Schools. “It is an enormous honor to be chosen as a Title I Exceptional School. The staff and students are very deserving of this award.”

Title I is a designation given to schools where a large number or percentage of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This award program is based on performance on the annual Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP).

“It is wonderful to honor the hard work evident in this accomplishment,” acting Education Commissioner Tim Webb said. “Recognizing our schools’ successes is as vital to accountability as implementing reform when needed. Local educators and students should take pride in the example they have set for the rest of the state.”

“This tremendous achievement shows that schools with high percentages of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can still meet high standards,” said Julie McCargar, Executive Director of Federal Programs. “Congratulations to the district staff, school staff, and students at these schools.”

Dr. David Timbs, Supervisor of Instruction was one of the administrators pleased with the news of this award. “If there is one word that has come to exemplify Mountain City Elementary, it is ‘focus’,” he said. “Everyone in the school, staff as well as students, knows what the goals are and what is necessary to get there.”

“Gay Triplett and Dr. Bridgette Hackett have provided incredible leadership,” Timbs continued. “However, they have not just led. They have empowered their teachers, challenged their students, and involved their parents. There is pride in what they all do and this designation as a Title I Exception School comes as a validation of their efforts.”

“I am also extremely proud of Mrs. Triplett, Dr. Hackett, the teachers, staff, students and parents of Mountain City Elementary,” said Debra Wilcox, Title I Supervisor. “They have proven it is possible to close the achievement gap for all students and continue to strive to improve their instruction. MCE is truly an exemplary school and deserve our congratulations.

Gay Triplett, Mountain City Elementary School principal, while pleased to receive the honor, considers it a collaborative effort. “We have high expectations for our students,” said Triplett. “The staff, students, and parents work together to insure that all students experience success.”