Shenandoah County Public Schools Shine with VDOE Awards
By Lewis Michael
Shenandoah County Public Schools have achieved a stellar milestone in their pursuit of educational excellence. Stonewall Jackson High School and Strasburg High School have been honored with the prestigious Exemplar Award, while Signal Knob Middle School has secured the Continuous Improvement Award.
These accolades are part of a rigorous recognition program established in 2018 by the Virginia Board of Education, aimed at celebrating the highest achievements, continuous improvements, and innovative practices in public schools. The awards underscore Shenandoah County's unwavering commitment to quality education and student success.
To qualify for these honors, schools must meet stringent criteria, including state benchmarks in core subjects, a low absenteeism rate, and high graduation and completion indexes. Stonewall Jackson and Strasburg High Schools excelled in every aspect, reflecting their dedication to fostering academic excellence. Similarly, Signal Knob Middle School demonstrated remarkable progress across multiple performance indicators, showcasing a continuous upward trajectory over the past three years.
Strasburg Principal Melissa Foltz expressed her pride: "It is an honor for Strasburg High School to be recognized for this achievement. It is definitely a reflection of the dedication of the teachers and staff. Their hard work, focus, exceptional teaching skills, and ability to develop positive relationships with our students is what truly makes the difference. They view each student as an individual, take them where they are, and capitalize on their strengths. It's a pleasure to work with such a devoted staff and a wonderful group of hard-working students."
Shenandoah County Superintendent Melody Sheppard shared her enthusiasm: "I am so proud of our staff at Stonewall Jackson, Strasburg and Signal Knob. The Exemplar Awards recognize educators who go above and beyond for their students every day, and their dedication to helping their students grow and learn deserves recognition. Receiving the Highest Achievement and Continuous Improvement awards is a testament to all of the good work being done in our schools."
Stonewall Jackson High School's Mike Dorman noted, "Earning Exemplary Performance is indicative of all the hard work and dedication of the staff and students here. I have always felt very fortunate to be able to work with the students and staff at Stonewall. I am very proud of them and all their accomplishments."
Scott Schlentner from Signal Knob Middle School highlighted the school's philosophy: "The SKMS Here to Learn approach has led to positive outcomes, including improved academic performance, heightened student engagement, and a stronger sense of community within our school. Students who take pride in their work are more likely to persist through challenges and pursue lifelong learning opportunities. By prioritizing our learning environment, including support of teachers, student learning and focusing on attendance, educators can continue making meaningful gains in student success. The 'Here to Learn' philosophy not only benefits students academically but also prepares them to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals in the broader world. We are excited to receive this honor, but we also know that we cannot stop learning. Every day is an opportunity to do better, be better, and focus on what is important: our students."
Shenandoah County Public Schools' achievements resonate with the community's values and aspirations, setting a benchmark for educational standards across Virginia. This recognition is not just a testament to the schools' hard work but also a celebration of the collective efforts of students, teachers, and the broader community. It's a proud moment that reflects the district's vision of cultivating a future where every student can thrive and succeed.
Here is a snapshot of the award criteria:
Exemplar Award:
Accredited status
State benchmarks in reading (75%), math, and science (70%)
Low absenteeism rate (≤ 15%)
High graduation (≥ 88%) and low dropout rate (≤ 6%)
Continuous Improvement Award:
Increased performance rates over three years
Improvements in student group performance
Rising Graduation and Completion Index
Reduced dropout rates over three years
Shenandoah County Public Schools continue to inspire and lead with their outstanding achievements, setting the stage for an even brighter future for the students in the county. There were only 92 Exemplar Awards and 49 Continuous Improvement awards given out of the over 2000 eligible publics schools in Virginia for 2024-25. This is something for all to be proud of.
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