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NPS PRESS RELEASE #24-7: Tarrallton Elementary & Booker T. Washington High to Receive Academic Award Recognition from Virginia BOE

NPS PRESS RELEASE #24-7: Tarrallton Elementary & Booker T. Washington High to Receive Academic Award Recognition from Virginia BOE
10/23/24
Tarrallton Elementary and Booker T. Washington High to Receive Academic Award Recognition from Virginia Board of Education
 
Norfolk, VA – Tarrallton Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School have both been recognized for excellence by the Virginia Board of Education (BOE). Tarrallton Elementary is one of 92 Virginia schools to earn the BOE’s Exemplar Performance-Highest Achievement Award, and Booker T. Washington is one of 26 schools to receive the Continuous Improvement Award for increasing achievement in mathematics and reading for two or more subgroups of students.
 
“Earning these recognitions is an important reminder of the centrality of academic excellence to all we do as a school division,” said Norfolk Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Sharon I. Byrdsong. “Whether it is STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) instruction or promoting high student attendance rates, everything that we do is fueled by a commitment to students’ success. We hold our students, teachers, and staff accountable for achieving and maintaining excellence in all that we do, and these awards from the Virginia Board of Education are a powerful endorsement that drive.”  
 
To receive the Exemplar Performance-Highest Achievement Award, schools must be accredited and meet state benchmarks in reading (75%), mathematics (70%), and science (70%). Additionally, schools must ensure that all student groups meet state benchmarks in reading and mathematics (with limited performance gaps between student groups) while maintaining a chronic absenteeism rate of 15% or lower.
 
“Education is the most powerful and transformative agent of change in our society. It is an honor to accept this esteemed recognition on behalf the staff, students, and families of Tarrallton Elementary School,” said Principal Kimberly Saunders. “This award reflects the collaborative hard work, dedication, and passion everyone has put into our students and school community.”
 
As a Purple Star School, Tarrallton Elementary has been repeatedly recognized for excellence in education and its support for military families. Past awards and recognitions include the Virginia Department of Education VIP in Excellence Award and the Virginia Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award.
 
The Continuous Improvement Award for Increase in Achievement in Mathematics and Reading for Two or More Student Groups formally recognizes Booker T. Washington High’s progress in closing achievement gaps across the student population, an objective shared by the entire school division. 
 
“Receiving the Continuous Improvement Award indicates a consistent commitment to the work of serving students and families,” said Booker T. Washington High School Principal Deon Garner.  “I constantly remind teachers that sound structures, visible teaching and learning, and a desire to help shape the ‘whole child’ all contribute to this auspicious award.”
 
Booker T. Washington High has maintained its commitment to serving the community, state, and nation and has reached a significant milestone as an accredited institution with Cognia for 100 years of service and excellence.
 
Additional information about these awards can be found on the Virginia Department of Education’s website at doe.virginia.gov.
 
--NPS--