School Systems Celebrate Full State Accreditation
education, henry county schools, martinsville city public schools, martinsville-henry county, scott kizner, sharon dodson,
Martinsville City Public Schools and Henry County Schools are earning credit where it’s due. Both systems have received full accreditation from the state, demonstrating the schools’ uncompromising commitment to education and the Henry County community as a whole.
“The accreditation process in Virginia is a major focus, and is really a tribute to the hard work of teachers, administrators and staff,” says Dr. Scott Kizner, superintendent of Martinsville City Public Schools.
The district’s five schools completed the rigorous process in 2007, demonstrating students’ proficiency in the areas of math, science, English and social studies.
Today, Martinsville’s city schools are operating smarter than ever. In an effort to prepare students for college, administrators have raised graduation standards and set stringent division goals that have increased the percentage of minority students who participate in advanced classes and obtain advanced diplomas. In the classroom, schools are partnering with area colleges to offer advanced science, engineering and science programs. And the district’s early childhood program, recognized as exemplary by the governor’s office, ensures every child enters school ready to learn.
Students at Henry County Schools accepted the same challenge in 2003, bringing accreditation to the state’s 33rd largest school system. Dr. Sharon Dodson, superintendent of the 7,700-student district, also attributes her schools’ success to an unyielding commitment from faculty and staff.
“The staff has continuously upgraded their skills in the classroom by becoming proficient in differentiating instruction for each student,” Dodson says. “Our students have always had knowledge and capability of performing well, but teachers and administrators collectively looked at the best instructional methods and strategies to ensure students will be successful.”
A visionary teacher academy is one of the many initiatives setting Henry County Schools apart. The program identifies talented paraprofessionals already employed in the system and pays for them to complete teaching degrees and return to the district. Dual enrollment courses allow high school students to earn college credits, opening doors for countless first-generation college students. The county district also has been recognized for implementation of instructional technologies, from classroom computers and mobile laptop labs to interactive white boards and sound-field amplification in all elementary and middle schools.
Kizner says the districts’ continued achievements go far beyond high marks on a state report card.
“What accreditation really states is that our school systems and the community are willing to provide the support and resources necessary to make sure kids learn at their highest levels,” he says. “If someone relocates to the Martinsville-Henry County area, one thing they can be assured of is that they have two school systems of high quality with professional staff, totally committed to making sure every child will be successful.”
Story by Melanie Hill
