Tuesday was all about keeping the celebration going in the wake of Cross High being named a South Carolina Blue Ribbon School.
In recognition for all their hard work in making significant academic gains to earn them the designation of a Blue Ribbon School, Cross High students and staff were treated to hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Child Nutrition Services, plus music in the cafeteria with a DJ from Live Productions. VIEW PHOTOS
Principal Tiffany Brown said she is excited about this monumental achievement at her school.
“This was a schoolwide effort, and I wanted to bring the party to Cross to make sure our students and our staff know we appreciate them,” she said.
The Blue Ribbon Schools program highlights public and private schools nationally that demonstrate a high level of student performance or significant improvements in closing achievement gaps. Originally facilitated by the U.S. Department of Education, the program has been recognizing schools that embody excellence in education for the past 40 years. This year the administration of the program was moved to the state level.
Brown and BCSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony S. Dixon visited the State House in November to be presented the award by S.C. Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and Governor Henry McMaster. Cross High was one of six schools in the state to receive the award.
Brown wanted to make sure five particular staff members knew just how much of an impact they made in the school’s state report card rating. Brown presented each of these teachers with their own specially-made “Making a Difference” plaque during the lunch time festivities, as their classes comprised the bulk of the state report card score.
Biology I teacher Alyssa Kubota, Instructional Coach Dr. Vanessa Dease (who previously taught Algebra I), U.S. History teacher Oliver Ferguson and English II teacher Vera Johnson were all presented with a plaque, along with Academy Coach Laverne Henderson, who is responsible for providing support to Career and Technical Education staff.
The school’s Algebra I percentage of students scoring an A through C exceeded that of the district. Additionally, the school’s Biology I, US History and English II percentage of students scoring an A through C increased by more than 5 percent each. Cross High also had the highest percentage increase for students deemed college or career ready; the school increased by more than 20 percent.
“While it’s a team effort to make sure our school is improving, those people had a huge impact on that rating,” Brown said.
Brown added she is looking forward to seeing her students and staff continue to work hard and make those academic gains.
“I expect excellence every day – that does not mean perfection, that just means giving your absolute best, and that is my expectation for both students and staff members,” she said. “Along the way, I am rolling up my sleeves, I’m digging in and working alongside them, but I want them to know that their work matters, and that that they are seen and heard – and I appreciate them.”
