SEEING STARS: Three area schools named Four Star Schools

Clark County

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Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen
Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen
Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen
Staff photo by C.E. Branham

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January 13, 2010

By TARA HETTINGER The News and Tribune Wed Jan 13, 2010, 09:35 PM EST

Galena Elementary is reaching a new milestone.

They have received their 10th consecutive Four Star School award from the Indiana Department of Education.

“Ten is pretty awesome I think,” said Principal Dwight Beall. “It’s been something we’ve been hoping for.”

Galena joins 188 schools that were given that distinction, based on 2008-09 ISTEP scores and attendance rates. In Clark and Floyd counties, two other schools also made the list: Floyds Knobs Elementary and Utica Elementary.

This is also Floyds Knobs 10th award since the school opened 1997, according to principal Elaine Murphy. She said the school didn’t win its first year or in 2002.

“This is a very pleasant surprise,” Murphy said.

Murphy said winning takes teamwork.

“We have a wonderful combination of very hardworking teachers, hardworking students and very devoted parents,” she said. “It has to be a partnership all the way.”

Beall agreed.

“It takes a lot of people,” Beall said. “The nice part of this award, I think, is the fact that it takes every student, every parent, teacher, custodian, cafeteria worker ... everything together goes into us being a Four Star School. It’s something we’ve all put our efforts toward.”

At Utica, Kim Hartlage took over as principal this month, so she said the credit goes to the staff and former principal, Doug Chinn.

“It’s certainly a testament to his leadership,” she said. “Plus, it’s exciting for me. It’s a great way for him to close his career here at Utica and it’s a very exciting place for me to begin. It’s very motivating for us to continue to improve our student achievements.”

Hartlage said the last time the school received this recognition was six years ago.

“We are working on things to continue to raise the bar here,” she said.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said this is an accomplishment that all schools should strive to attain.

“These Four Star Schools represent the top 25 percent of schools in our state,” Bennett said. “I want to congratulate all 188 Four Star recipients for their outstanding achievement, and I challenge other Hoosier schools to push for more from their students, parents and educators. I am confident they, too, can be among the best.”