Area Schools Recognized for Academic Achievement

The South Carolina Department of Education has revealed the winners of the 2012-2013 Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards recognizing 17 Pickens County schools for high academic achievement and high rates of improvement.

Clemson Elementary, Crosswell Elementary, Holly Springs Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Six Mile Elementary were recognized both for General Performance Closing the Achievement Gap. Of all 17 schools, only Clemson Elementary was given Gold in both categories.

“The gold and silver awards are a great reflection of our faculty, staff and administrators. They are committed to our students and their achievement,” said Dr. Kelly Pew, district superintendent. “We’re proud of all of our schools, and seeing these seventeen schools being highlighted for recognition is an honor. It shows that they not only achieve at a high level, but also that they continue to improve each year.”

In October 2012, the SC Education Oversight Committee changed the criteria for earning the awards in order to decrease the number of eligible schools. In previous years, a growth rating of Average or better for three consecutive years was required to earn the award for schools eligible based on steady growth. This year, that benchmark was changed to require a Good growth rating for two consecutive years.

In 2011, 22 SDPC schools earned the awards. This year, 15 of the schools earned Gold in General performance, with two earning Silver. In addition to Clemson Elementary earning Gold in Closing the Achievement Gap, Crosswell Elementary, Holly Springs Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Six Mile Elementary earned Silver in that category.

A complete list of SDPC winners is below:

Ambler Elementary earned Gold in General Achievement.

Clemson Elementary earned Gold in both General Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap

Crosswell Elementary earned Gold in General Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap.

Daniel High School earned Gold in General Performance.

Dacusville Middle School earned Gold in General Performance.

Easley High School earned Gold in General Performance.

East End Elementary earned Gold in General Performance.

Forest Acres Elementary earned Gold in General Performance.

Holly Springs earned Gold in General Performance and Silver in Closing the Achievement Gap.

Liberty Elementary earned Gold in General Performance and Silver in Closing the Achievement Gap.

Liberty Middle earned Gold in General Performance.

Pickens County Career and Technology Center earned Gold in General Performance.

Pickens Elementary earned Silver in General Performance.

R.C. Edwards Middle earned Gold in General Performance.

Gettys Middle School earned Silver in General Performance.

Six Mile Elementary earned Gold in General Performance and Silver Closing the Achievement Gap.

West End Elementary earned Gold in General Performance.

The South Carolina Department of Education recognized 662 schools and career centers for general performance, closing the achievement gap, or qualifying in both categories.