SPENCERVILLE, OH (WLIO) - Spencerville Elementary has been recognized for its academic achievement with a national award.
Spencerville Elementary has been recognized for its academic achievement with a national award.
"It really does take a village, and I think the entire town comes together and works together for the best of the kids," says Susan Wagner, principal of Spencerville Elementary School.
And because of that collaboration, Spencerville Elementary is in an elite group. They are 1 of 69 National ESEA Distinguished School award winners and only one of two in Ohio. The award recognizes schools that effectively use Title 1 funding to increase academic achievement. Spencerville says it's the teamwork between their staff, with their parents, and with the community that has gotten them five stars on their grade card the last two years.
"I think we are very blessed to have a staff of teachers and administrators that are dedicated and committed to not only teaching the whole child but also researching best practices, reaching out to one another when a child is struggling. We kind of leave our egos at the door, and whatever is best for the child is what we do," says Suzanne Lyons, Spencerville kindergarten teacher.
Spencerville says it's the teamwork between their staff, with their parents, and with the community that has gotten them five stars on their grade card the last two years.
"It is a reflection of everyone's dedication to building a school where students succeed academically and socially. And when I talk about our staff, I mean teachers, guidance counselors, aides, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, school nurses, and our secretaries. Everybody plays a key in making our school a great place where students thrive," says Brian Woods, Superintendent, Spencerville School District.
"There isn't one member of the staff that wants to be a shining star; it truly is a team effort. So, when a teacher is struggling to get a concept crossed or struggling with a student, they really do talk to each other, and they are not embarrassed to admit that something isn't working," adds Wagner.
And the school district is not going to rest on their current success.
"So, we are always looking for ways to grow together as a staff. So, we will keep digging through data and looking where are kids are, seeing what their needs are, and coming up with more exciting and innovative ways to meet the needs of our kids," says Wagner.
Spencerville Elementary is 1 of 69 National ESEA Distinguished School award winners and only one of two in Ohio.
The Spencerville staff have been invited to the national conference in February to receive their award.
