The students of Winona-Montgomery School District showed historical growth in last spring’s state assessments – elevating the district’s accountability rating to a B rating which is deemed High Performing in the state’s accountability model.
“Our students achieved some of the highest growth in the state,” said Dr. Howard Savage, Superintendent of Winona-Montgomery School District. “Winona-Montgomery School District made history when it achieved this rating, and it was due to increases in growth and proficiency in several of the accountability model’s sub scores.”
Dr. Savage explained that Winona Elementary School earned 73 more points than last year, and Winona Secondary School earned 61 more points than last year. In addition, the district’s graduation rate increased to 90.5 percent. These factors supported the district’s growth to becoming a high performing school district.
Dr. Savage said since consolidation, students have continued to show growth each year. However, this year, students made tremendous strides due to personal accountability, as well as teachers focusing on rigor, relevance, and providing quality Tier 1 instruction for all. These efforts plus outstanding support from parents and community partners helped propel the district to the highest rating in its history, a B rating, by earning 49 more points than the previous year.
“I am proud of the continual growth that our stakeholders have shown each year,” said Dr. Savage. “To achieve this milestone, it took great work and support from our students, teachers, parents, district personnel, community partners, and strong leadership from our school board. In all my years in education, this is the first district where I have witnessed all of the communities that make up the Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District come together to support our schools in providing a quality education to our students, which inspired each community being included in the new district logo.”
Savage continued, “Even with the historic growth in the district, our ultimate goal is to achieve an A rating. We will achieve this by focusing on ELA in all areas, push for increased proficiency in other subject areas, and inspire all students to understand and own their academic data.”
Dr. Savage said students are already enjoying some rewards for their hard work. Proficient and advanced students (students scoring at levels 4 and 5) at Winona Secondary School will go bowling with Principal Terry Peeples, and Principal Tracy Moore will be taking Winona Elementary School students that earned proficient and advanced scores to a Mississippi State basketball game.
Members of the Winona-Montgomery School District’s Board of Trustees expressed their pride for what the students and teachers achieved this year.
Board President, Chase DeNoon, said, “I am proud of the hard work and long hours of our teachers and students have put into achieving this rating. Our teachers are some of the best in the state and work incredibly hard.”
Board Vice President, Brandye Brannon, expressed her appreciation for both the students and teachers in “making this B rating possible. Keep up the hard work!”
Board member Dr. Kathrine Hughes says, “Together We Achieve More. This is a prime example of when everyone is working together toward a common goal, everyone wins,” she said. “I am so proud of how all the support staff and teachers have worked together and brought our school to a high-performance rating.”
Board member Jill White encouraged the students and teachers to keep thriving for excellence. “Keep on working hard!” she said. “One more level to go. On our way to the A!”
Board Secretary, Nora Dunn, congratulated the students and teachers, saying “it took a village.” She also expressed her appreciation to Dr. Savage for his leadership. “I greatly appreciate our superintendent,” Dunn said. “Dr. Savage’s vision and the hard work he and his core team put behind it, the curriculum choices, and creative outlets allowed for those implementing it – the teachers. Salute!”
In conclusion, Dr. Savage stated, “If you want you want to be a part of a caring community where students are our main priority, teachers are supported, and work with a school board that puts students over politics, choose Winona-Montgomery School District. I am proud to represent the Winona-Montgomery School District where we do things “The Tiger Way – Teamwork Inspires Greatness and Empowers Responsible Students.”
For more information, contact Amanda Sexton Ferguson at 662-528-6333.
