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September 2014
Page 9
donelson elementary
Donelson Elementary Named a Top 5% School
SPECIAL TO THE VIEW 38002
Arlington Community
Schools Superintendent
Tammy Mason made an
impromptu visit to Donelson
Elementary on August 21 to
Congratulate Principal
Cherry Davidson and the
DES Teachers for earning
“Reward Status” by the
Tennessee Department of
Education based on
performance for overall
student achievement.
Reward Schools are the
top 5 percent of schools for
performance and the top 5
percent of schools for
progress. Schools are
designation
is
designated as Reward
determined by a onefor performance for
year TVAAS school
overall
student
composite.
achievement. This
Mason encouraged the
designation
is
staff to continue the
determined annually
good work they are
by a one-year success
doing.
Mason
rate.
reminded the staff that
A success rate is
just a few months ago,
calculated by adding ACS Superintendent Tammy Mason
DES was recognized as
together the total (left) with Donelson Elementary
a Highly Effective
number of proficient or Principal Cherry Davidson (center) and School based on
advanced students in faculty. Staff Photo.
progress. To be
each subject and dividing by designated as Reward for recognized in the same year
the total number of test takers progress for having high for both performance and
for each subject. Schools are student growth. This progress is a rare distinction.
Take Us Out to the Ballgame!
Donelson Elementary 5th grade students sang the National Anthem at the
Memphis Redbirds on August 23 under the direction of Jennie Zwissler as part of
Arlington Community Schools “Night at the Redbirds.” Photo courtesy of DES
Kevin Yates, ACS Board
Member and DES Parent,
was also present to offer his
congratulations and
appreciation.
Although the names of the
state’s Reward Schools were
released to the media later
that morning, Mason wanted
the principal and teachers to
hear it from her first.
Davidson attributed the
success of her school to a
unique sense of partnership
among the teachers and their
dedication to continued
success.
“We believe that our
teacher collaboration sets us
apart from other schools in
that every teacher cares about
the well-being of all students
at Donelson Elementary,”
Davidson commented.
“Donelson teachers and
staff are lifelong learners,
always reaching out to learn
some new techniques and
strategies to assist us with
success.”
—Additional contributions by
Terry Louderback