Go Longview!!! Longview Elementary was one of two NC schools recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School for 2008. Longview Elementary was nominated for Category 2 – Closing the Achievement Gap between groups of students. Longview was the only school in North Carolina to receive this Category 2 award. School representatives attended a national conference in Nashville, Tennessee recently to be recognized for this honor.
Our school was recognized for reducing the achievement gap through activities and programs such as our PRIDE mentoring program, balanced literacy focus, and our Bridge to Tomorrow program for rising Kindergarten students. Our school was also commended for our strong partnerships with Lenoir-Rhyne college (college students serving as tutors), Project HEART, Centro Latino, United Hmong Association, Reach Back, and local churches. The Thrifty Lion, our thrift store operated through PTA, was also highlighted.
Of the award, Hickory Public Schools superintendent Dr. Vandett stated: “I am extremely proud of Mr. Black and all of the teachers and staff at Longview for their tireless efforts at making a difference for all children. They certainly have earned this award. I was privileged to participate in the recognition ceremony at the Title I Conference in Nashville, Tennessee and was so proud of the Longview staff who attended that activity."
This is a wonderful recognition of the efforts of our school staff, students, parents, and community volunteers. To receive such a national award is rare and it is an outcome of the love and commitment of the teachers, and the strong partnership we have with local churches and agencies.
The Title I Distinguished Schools Recognition Program showcases top schools that are organizing successful academic programs for the state's neediest students. Nominees were pre-selected at the state level with one candidate being selected from each region for each category. For Category 1 (High Student Performance), selection criteria included composite scores for three consecutive years, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, and a poverty percentage of 40 or greater. For Category 2 (Closing the Achievement Gap), selection criteria was based on schools with the most student subgroups where all subgroups made AYP and showed the most progress in significantly closing the achievement gap.