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RICHMOND

Gov. Ralph Northam and the state Board of Education announced on Wednesday that Carrsville Elementary School in Isle of Wight County and Nottoway Elementary School in Southampton County were among 202 schools statewide to receive 2018 Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Awards. These honors are given to schools and to divisions that meet all state and federal benchmarks and make progress toward the goals of the governor and Board of Education.

“The criteria for these awards provide short-term and long-term goals for principals, superintendents and communities as they develop the improvement plans all schools must have under the Board of Education’s new accreditation standards,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction James F. Lane. “Congratulations to the students in these divisions and schools, and to the dedicated educators who made these successes possible.”

Carrsville Elementary Principal Clint Walters said that this is the second consecutive year that his school has received this honor.

“Although this recognition is based on student SOL performance,the groundwork was set in the ealier grades for our students with their literacy and numeracy skills,” Walters said. “Our entire school community works diligently so that each child can experience success.”

“This award recognizes schools that are meeting, as well as, exceeding the rigorous goals and expectations established at the state level,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton. “Earning this honor for a second consecutive year is an amazing accomplishment and exemplifies the importance of individualized instruction to meet the needs of all our students.”

Nottoway Elementary Principal Susan Melbye said this will be the third consecutive year that her school has received this honor.

“It truly is a reflection of the hardworking staff and the parents and the students all working together to achieve the same common goals,” she said. “It’s a wonderful community to be a part of and to lead.”

More information about the VIP incentive program for schools and school divisions is available on the VDOE website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/va_index_performance_awards/index.shtml.