Schools Recognized for Growth and Closing the Achievement Gap

Pictured from left to right, are Dr. Trent Vernon, Donna Reynolds,

Pamela Herndon and Maurice “Mo” Green.

General Greene Elementary, Jamestown Middle

Honored as PTEC Signature Schools

"Greensboro, N.C. – Two Guilford County Schools were recognized for making significant improvements in student education during the past year.

The Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC) named General Greene School of Science and Technology and Jamestown Middle School as Guilford County’s 2015-16 Signature Schools.

Pictured from left to right, are Kari Barrett, Terri Collins,

Beth Rigsbee and Maurice “Mo” Green.

Jamestown Middle showed the most growth of any GCS school. Dr. Trent Vernon, principal at Jamestown Middle, credits the school’s incredible growth on collaboration with teachers, students and parents.

“Administration understands the importance of empowering teachers, and the voice of the teacher is recognized, heard and valued at Jamestown Middle,” says Vernon. “Teachers must be empowered, but so must students and parents. Students take an active role in their learning, and parents are encouraged to join their student on his or her educational journey.”

General Greene was recognized for significantly closing the achievement gap between white and African-American students in reading proficiency (by about two-thirds) and math proficiency (by half).

“General Greene values experiential learning, both on and off campus. Through field trips, all students get exposed to the application of ideas being taught in the classroom,” says Principal Terri Collins. “Annual on-campus events, such as the General Greene State Fair and the Technology Fair bring experts to our campus from which students can learn. Thoughtful science instruction through experiments, kits and projects also helps build problem-solving skills.

“These schools are a great example of how both traditional and magnet schools are able to meet students where they are and help them get to where they need to be,” said Dr. Nakia Hardy, Chief Academic Officer for Guilford County Schools.

A complete list of Signature Schools from around the area can be found by clicking here.

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina, serves nearly 72,000 K-12 students at 127 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, GCS works alongside local parents, businesses and colleges to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. Guilford County is also a Say Yes to Education community, giving eligible GCS graduates the opportunity to apply for last-dollar tuition scholarships to attend any 2- or 4-year public institution in North Carolina. Combining choices to meet the individual educational needs for a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities makes our families say, “GCS, Yes!” For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com."

- A Press Release