Board recognizes Title 1 Distinguished Schools

Six Title 1 Distinguished Schools were recognized by the Columbia County school board during a meeting Tuesday.

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The schools were Bel Air Elementary, Grovetown Elementary, South Columbia Elementary, Westmont Elementary, Grovetown Middle and Harlem Middle.

Title 1 schools are those with a large percentage of pupils receiving free or reduced lunch, which typically signifies a poorer population. To become a Distinguished School, these schools must meet adequate yearly progress standards as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind legislation three years in a row.

The schools recognized Tuesday represent all but three Title 1 schools in the county.

"They have a daunting task, because they work with the students who need the most help and they've done a great job moving them forward," Superintendent Charles Nagle said.

Also on Tuesday, the board gave final approval to the 2010-11 school calendar, which has an Aug. 9 start date.

However, Nagle warned that the calendar might change if the state Legislature approves a bill imposing a mandatory holiday for Veterans Day. Board members bristled at that suggestion.

"I would really have a hard time taking a Veterans Day holiday," board member Roxanne Whitaker said.

Columbia County schools typically design lesson plans and celebrations to honor veterans each Veterans Day.

Trustee Mike Sleeper, a veteran, said typical pupils remaining home on Veterans Day would learn nothing about the sacrifices made by America's military men and women.