The Georgia Department of Education announced on Dec. 18 that West Newton Elementary School has been removed from the list of State Focus Schools after successfully decreasing the number of students not proficient by 18 percent. Overall, 38 schools were named from either the Priority or Focus Schools lists.

Focus schools are Georgia Title I schools that have the largest in-school gaps between the highest achieving subgroup or subgroups and the lowest achieving subgroup or subgroups, or, at the high school level, have the largest in-school gaps in graduation rates. Both West Newton and Live Oak elementary schools were named to the list in 2012. Live Oak Elementary School is still on the list.

“I am proud of the awesome teamwork that has taken place at West Newton over the past 3 years,” said West Newton Elementary School Principal Dr. Takila Curry. “Everyone has worked diligently and focused on the right work. We will embrace this moment of success but continue to strive for higher achievement.”

“The students, families, faculty, staff and leaders are to be commended for this achievement; they have worked hard to monitor student performance results and intervene as the data requires,” added NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “We are proud of the West Newton team and expect they will continue their laser-like focus on improved student outcomes.”

For more information, contact Ms. Sherri Davis-Viniard, Director of Public Relations for Newton County Schools, at davis-viniard.sherri@newton.k12.ga.us.