BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. — Batesburg-Leesville Middle School has been recognized for its hard work and has been named a "School To Watch."
The program is run by The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Judges graded schools by their academic excellence, developmental response, social equity, and organizational structure and processes.
Sharah Clark is the principal of Batesburg-Lessville Middle School.
"It supports all of our beliefs about having a growth mindset, pushing students academically to do their best, and also to give them the right support system," said Clark.
The principal says this is the first time the school has named a "School To Watch."
"It's huge. I can't really say how important this is for our students," explained Clark. "They worked extremely hard. Our teachers have put in years of work."
Clark wants folks to know students worked really hard to make this happen.
"This is a lot to do with their hard work. It's not just an adult recognition. Our kids have put forth a lot of effort," said Clark.
The principal says it's a priority to make everyone feel like a part of the Batesburg-Leesville family.
The school will be offered opportunities to go to conferences that will help faculty to continue to learn and continue to develop the right mindset and help find new things to help with academic growth.
Teachers and students says it's great to be recognized for their hard work.
"We were the first to know and we all just screamed because it's like all of our hard work has finally paid off," said 8th grader Isabella Gunter.
8th grader Javonte Adams said, "As students here, we feel like we work very hard and teachers push us to be the best."
"Everybody looks out for each other. Teachers are always pushing you. You work hard. Do you best," said 7th grader Hansel Discua.
Perri Bryant is an 8th grade history teacher at the middle school.
She says receiving this honor further proves what they already know, they have an amazing school, faculty, and student body.
"We have shown as a school that growth that our students have shown as learners and our commitment to that belief that our students can achieve."