By Bill Grubb
News Editor

ROGERSVILLE - Keplar Elementary has joined an elite group as one of four schools statewide to earn the designation  2010 Title I Distinguished School.
    Title I is a classification given to schools that serve a large percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.       The four schools, Keplar, Bradford Elementary in Bradford, East Ridge Elementary in Hamilton County and Hobgood Elementary in Murfreesboro, were recognized for exceptional student performance overall or for significantly closing the achievement gap between student groups, the accomplishment that earned Keplar the recognition.
    Principal Sandy Williams said closing the gap required a "collaborative team effort."
    "The students, parents, community and staff worked diligently every day. Keplar is a team-oriented school incorporating research-based strategies in all facets of the daily school decision-making process," Williams explained.    
    Through funding from a Reading First Grant, the staff received professional development in Reading Research strategies.  The Reading First Grant also aided Keplar in purchasing research materials for the classrooms, she said.
    The principal also credited additional training through John Hopkins University's Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education, made possible by the Hawkins County Board of Education.
    "We also have a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant that provides our students with before/after school tutoring and a summer enrichment program," the principal said.  "Keplar Elementary School is fortunate to have dedicated teachers who work diligently to provide the best education possible for all students.  Countless hours have been spent disaggregating test scores and identifying student challenges to incorporate remediation strategies into the curriculum to ensure student needs are met."
    Along with the recognition the school will receive a $1,000 honorarium to continue the efforts, she added.
    Britton also applauded the hard work of the entire staff at the school, which traditionally has an enrollment of less than 100 students.    
    "The faculty, support staff and principal, Sandy Williams, have worked diligently for school improvement.  School improvement does not happen overnight; school improvement takes place when all stakeholders are determined and believe that it can be done," Britton said.
    The director said the key to school improvement is to continuously look at the program for the areas that are strong and for the areas that need to be strengthened. 
    "Keplar's staff has proven that every child can make progress regardless of socioeconomic status.  I am so proud of the staff, students and community," Britton added.              A celebration recognizing the school's achievement will be held at the January, 2010 school board meeting, the director said.