House Concurrent Resolution 93

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SUMRALL HIGH SCHOOL FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS A "STAR SCHOOL" BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE 2008-2009 AND 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEARS.

WHEREAS, in 2008-2009, the Mississippi Department of Education released the new performance labels for schools and districts under the state's accountability model that measures student performance on more rigorous curriculum and assessments and designates performance classification from highest to lowest: Star, High Performing, Successful, Academic Watch, Low Performing, At-Risk of Failing and Failing; and

WHEREAS, Sumrall High School earned the Star School label for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic school years, indicating that the school is performing above the national average; and

WHEREAS, to be eligible, a district must achieve a Quality Distribution Index score of 200 or above, which indicates a high level of academic success, and meet the growth expectations determined by the Mississippi Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, Superintendent Dr. Ben Burnett, Principal Jennifer Ward and the Lamar County School District have a great deal to be proud of as they continue to be an educational leader in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this success is not by accident, but must be attributed to teachers, students and the community for their continued commitment and determination in supporting this special district and school; and

WHEREAS, through strong parental and community involvement, teacher and staff dedication, and student diligence, Sumrall High School not only prepares students to compete in the job market locally, but also prepares students to move toward an education that will allow them to compete globally; and

WHEREAS, State Superintendent of Public Education, Dr. Tom Burnham, has been quoted as saying, "As a state we continue to make sustained progress. Clearly, the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom in Mississippi is improving, and more importantly, student performance is improving."; and

WHEREAS, "Although the quality of education in Mississippi is improving, we must remember that schools and districts across the country are also improving. In this competitive global economy, the administrators, teachers and students in Sumrall High School have worked extremely hard to make the significant gains reflected by this state. This year's accountability results recognize that they are moving in the right direction," said Mississippi Board of Education Chairman Charles McClelland; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the excellent academic progress made by schools such as Sumrall High School, which have brought honor to their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Sumrall High School for being recognized as a "Star School" by the State Department of Education for two consecutive years, and extend best wishes to school administrators, teachers and students on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Lamar County School District Superintendent Dr. Ben Burnett, Sumrall High School Principal Jennifer Ward, members of the Lamar County School District School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.