By Staff Reports

Three schools in Patrick County earned the state Board of Education’s Distinguished Achievement Award, according to a release from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office and the state Board of Education.

Blue Ridge Elementary, Meadows of Dan Elementary and Woolwine Elementary schools were among the 202 schools and 15 school divisions that met all the state and federal benchmarks and made progress toward the goals of the Governor and the Board of Education, the release stated.

Superintendent of Public Instruction James F. Lane said “The criteria for these awards provide short-term and long-term goals for principals, superintendents and communities as they develop the improvement plans all schools must have under the Board of Education’s new accreditation standards.”

“Congratulations to the students in these divisions and schools and to the dedicated educators who made these successes possible,” he added.

“I think this award is a testament to our instructional program, our students, teachers, staff and parents, and the importance they put on education in Patrick County,” Patrick County Schools Superintendent Bill Sroufe said. “Congratulations to these three schools, and to all of our schools, for the work they have done and will continue to do.”

One school in Henry County – Rich Acres Elementary – also earned the award, according to the release.

Northam and the state board also announced Tuesday that 349 schools and 16 school divisions earned 2018 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The VIP program recognizes schools and divisions that exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the Governor and the Board of Education.

To earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks and achieve all applicable excellence goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by the eighth grade, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, increased attainment of career and industry certifications, and participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

“The teachers, principals and support staff in these schools share a commitment to academic excellence and meeting the needs of every learner,” Northam said. “I congratulate our educators, school administrators, and the students of these great schools for achieving the Commonwealth’s highest award for school-wide excellence.”

Secretary of Education Atif Qarni said “once again, we see that so many of our schools and divisions outperform our academic standards — standards that set the bar for the rest of the country. I commend and celebrate the students, teachers, and support staff for their dedication and commitment to personal and professional achievement.”

More information about the VIP incentive program for schools and school divisions is available on the VDOE website: www.doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/va_index_performance_awards/index.shtml