Newton County School System is pleased to announce that four schools-Heard?Mixon Elementary, Palmer?Stone Elementary, Rocky Plains Elementary, and West Newton Elementary, have been recognized as Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools.

Title I schools have a significant population of students who are economically disadvantaged and receive federal money to assist with the education of these students. Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools have made Adequate Yearly Progress AYP at least three years in a row.

"We are very proud of these schools for the significant increase in the achievement of their students," said Dr. Steve Whatley, Newton County School Superintendent. "I commend the staff and principals at each of these schools for their dedication to the mission of our school district-providing educational excellence for all students."

Title I schools making AYP for three consecutive years are awarded a certificate, while those who have made AYP four or more years receive a monetary award, paid for out of federal funds.
Newton County's schools and their awards are listed below:

Heard-Mixon Elementary has made AYP seven years in a row and has been distinguished five years. The school received $712.

Palmer-Stone Elementary has made AYP seven years in a row and has been distinguished five years. The school received $712.

Rocky Plains Elementary has made AYP four years in a row and has been distinguished two years. The school received $712.

West Newton Elementary has made AYP seven years in a row and has been distinguished five years. The school received $712.

"Our staff, students and parents continue to work very hard to increase student achievement each year," said Lee Peck, Principal of Heard?Mixon Elementary School. "As the AMO continues to increase each year for the percentage of students to meet and exceed on the CRCT in all subgroups it becomes vital that our school community continue to work very closely to continue to focus on increasing student achievement. I am proud that Heard?Mixon has been able to increase student achievement over the past seven years and it is an honor to work with such a dedicated staff that places an emphasis on increasing student achievement each year."

"We are extremely proud of our staff, students and West Newton Community for obtaining this standard of excellence," said Dr. Takila Curry, principal of West Newton Elementary School. "I would like to personally thank Ericka Anderson, former principal, for her diligence and leadership."