Two FCCPS Schools Pick up Statewide Award

Falls Church City Public Schools picked up two more awards Thursday after it was announced the school system’s two elementary schools earned a 2012 Virginia Index of Performance award.

Mount Daniel and elementary schools will receive the Virginia Board of Education Excellence Award, a second-tier honor in the VIP program. According to an FCCPS release Thursday, schools that receive this award have demonstrated significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and for expanded educational opportunities set by the state board.

“We are extremely proud of the leadership, staff, and students of Mount Daniel and Thomas Jefferson for their accomplishment in meeting or exceeding Virginia standards for two consecutive years,” said Dr. Toni Jones, FCCPS superintendent. “Receiving the Board of Excellence Award is not an easy task, and they have worked extremely hard to continue on a path of excellence to ensure that every child succeeds.”

To earn the award, the two schools had to earn a minimum of 80 points in four content areas (English/reading, mathematics, science and history and social sciences) or achieve a minimum of 80 index points in each content area using the total number of VIP Bonus Points earned through the program to meet the minimum of 80 total VIP points in each content area, according to the release. The schools also had to meet or exceed the state goal for on-time high school graduation rate, currently established at 80 percent on the Governor’s scorecard and the combined percent of cohort students who dropped out or have unconfirmed status is 10 percent or less.

Jones said Mount Daniel Principal Kathy Halayko and TJ Principal Bob Palermo did great jobs leading their schools to earning the awards.

“FCCPS is lucky to have Mr. Palermo and Mrs. Halayko leading the helm,” Jones said. “They have collaborated to build a team of professionals that represent the best educators in the country.  Outstanding!”