To the Friends of CCSD District #10,
We were most pleased to receive word last month that six schools in our
area have been recognized for high levels of academic achievement and
high rates of student academic improvement. Winning Palmetto Gold
Awards for 2007 are St. Andrews School of Math & Science, Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary, and Drayton Hall Elementary. Palmetto Silver Awards went to Oakland Elementary, Springfield Elementary, and Orange Grove Elementary Charter School. Congratulations all round!
In its sixth year, the Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards program
was created by the Education Accountability Act of 1998, with award
criteria developed by the SC Education Oversight Committee. "The
EOC is proud of these schools recognized for high performance and high
rates of improvement," said EOC Chairman Harold Stowe. "We congratulate
the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members
for a job well done."
A total of 304 schools received awards statewide: 159 Gold and 145
Silver. Among elementary schools, 68 won Gold awards and 118 won
Silver. Among middle schools, three won Golds and 20 won Silvers. Among
high schools, 50 won Golds and five won Silvers. Thirty-one career
centers won Golds and two centers received Silver awards. Seven
special schools won Gold awards.
Each winning school receives an award flag, a certificate and a portion
of $3 million in state funds earmarked for the awards program. The
financial award is determined by several factors, including the type of
award received, student enrollment, student attendance, teacher
attendance and dropout rates. The minimum amount for a Gold award
is $1,500, and the minimum for a Silver award is $1,000.
The EOC's award criteria were based on the absolute and improvement
ratings that were assigned to each school on the 2006 report cards. The
report card ratings are determined by PACT scores for elementary and
middle schools. For high schools, the ratings are based on Exit Exam
results, the graduation rate and eligibility for LIFE scholarships.
The D10 Constituent Board joins the State Department of Education, the
Education Oversight Committee, and the Charleston County School
District in offering our warmest congratulations to the students,
faculty and staff of Ashley River, Drayton Hall, Oakland, Orange Grove,
Springfield, and St. Andrews Elementary!
We're proud of you,
Rob Dillon
for the D10 board
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