State Superintendent visits Glade Creek
By ROBBY LUCKEStaff
Glade Creek Elementary School celebrated its status as a School of Excellence last week with help from N.C. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mike Ward.
Pupils, parents and grandparents, school staff and local dignitaries packed the school gymnasium. It was Ward's first visit to the school. Glade Creek was named a School of Excellence this year for the first time under the state's ABCs accountability standards, based on test results for the 2000-01 school year.
The "Celebration of Excellence" program Dec. 13 culminated with the school's staff joining Principal Gary West on-stage as Ward unfurled the School of Excellence banner.
Stephanie Blevins, second grade teacher and the school's assistant principal, opened the program. "We've always known that Glade Creek is an excellent school. Now we have the prestigious award to prove it," she said.
The program then included a patriotic tribute, as fourth- and fifth-graders performed "God Bless America" with sign language. Speakers exemplified various segments of the community designated as "Partners in Excellence:" teachers were represented by Pam Braley, parents by Laura Poole, pupils by Megan Poole, graduates by Lauren Byers and Brittany Carico, volunteers by Peggy Choate, support staff by Marge Burke and administration by West.
Braley said, "We are surrounded by a community that joins hands and supports us so we can achieve excellence."
A VISIT —N.C. Schools Superintendent Mike Ward presents the Governor's
Volunteer Service Award to Ida Collette. That presentation took place
on Ward's visit to Glade Creek Elementary School, during which he
recognized that school's testing achievements.