The results of the Virginia Department of Education 2017-2018 Standards of Learning tests (SOLS) indicate continued improvements in all schools in Patrick County, and showed that all schools have meet the requirements for full accreditation for the third year in a row, remained 19th in the Commonwealth in SOL performance and sixth in Virginia in terms of relative poverty and SOL performance, according to a release from the Patrick Count y School division.
“Our goal remains to do what is best for children, knowing that the education we can provide them is the key to changing their lives,” Schools Superintendent William D. “Bill” Sroufe said.
”The hard work and dedication from our students, families, teachers, support staff, and administration is paying off,” he said, and added “we could not have the success we have without a community that values what we are doing. Our schools continue to outperform the trends in the Commonwealth, and I am extremely proud of the outcomes.”
Matt Hurt, director of the Comprehensive Instructional Program, said “Patrick County continues to be one of the top 10 in the state to outperform the trend with regards to relative poverty and SOL performance. In 2018, Patrick County remained 19th in SOL performance (out of 134 school divisions) in the state.
“I am honored to be one of the newest members of a team with such strong academic performance,” said Jennifer Cox, principal at Blue Ridge Elementary School. “It is a testimony to the caliber of students and educators in this school system.”
“Woolwine Elementary School is very excited to have performed well on all of the spring 2018 SOL tests,” Jeannie King, principal at Woolwine Elementary School, said. “This is attributed to our wonderful students, faculty, staff, parents, community volunteers, and division support that emphasizes the importance of high academic standards as well as supporting programs and technology enhancement.”
“WES continues to be thankful for the support from our parents, PTO, community lunch and volunteer programs, central office staff, and others who generously give time and resources to our school,” she added.
Jason Wood, principal at Meadows of Dan Elementary, said “Meadows of Dan Elementary School is fully accredited for the fourth consecutive year, and we are so proud of our students, staff, families, and community. Our success is a true testament to the hard work of our students and everyone working diligently to support them. Our entire staff builds positive relationships with our students to create a school culture where students feel loved and try their hardest every day to be their best. We will continue to meet the individual needs of our students through excellent instruction and meaningful learning experiences to ensure all our students reach their full potential.”
Sandra Clement, Stuart Elementary principal, said “Teachers and staff at Stuart Elementary School are proud of this great accomplishment. There is an expectation of excellence in student academic performance and behavior in Patrick County Public Schools, and this achievement is no surprise. We are thankful to all the dedicated educators in our schools and our administrators for leading us to this goal.”
Patrick Springs Primary Principal Marcie Murphy said, “It is wonderful to be 19th in the Commonwealth for the second year in a row, but not surprising. PCPS’s overall performance is an example of the dedication by our teachers, staff, community members, and all stakeholders for their hard work to ensure the success of all students,” she said.
“As we continue to utilize the strategies we have implemented over the last three years, I feel confident we will maintain or exceed our current state ranking. I am proud and honored to be a part of this wonderful school district,” Clement added.
“It truly does take a village and what a village our Rebels have,” said Hardin-Reynolds Principal Kensie Woods. “We couldn’t be more grateful to our parents, families, community members, and especially our students who have put in the time, energy and effort to continue the tradition of success here at Hardin Reynolds.”
Patrick County High School Principal Kenneth “Trey” Cox said, “On behalf of Patrick County High School, we are honored by the accomplishments of our school on the 2017-2018 SOL tests. It is the dedication of our faculty and staff, who will do whatever it takes to support our students. It is also the hard work and effort given by our awesome students, who just continue to amaze us as they rise to the challenge of the high academic expectations set forth by our high school. We are grateful to our parents, guardians, community, business partners, elementary schools and our school division for their support each year.
“Pass rates are one indication of school quality,” said Andrea Cassell, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. “We strive to provide the best learning opportunities available to prepare students to be college and career ready.”
“Our team continues to be focused on alignment and reflecting on student progress. Doing what is best for students is a daily priority for all staff members,” Instructional Coordinator, Shannon Brown, said. “We are blessed with great students, families, educators, and community who make these successes possible. We will continue our efforts to provide a high quality education for all Patrick County students.”
“I am proud of all who have contributed to our success: students, family, teachers, staff, community, cafeteria workers, maintenance, bus drivers, administration and our school board it truly takes all of us,” Sroufe said. “Every day we get up and we strive to be better.”
