Greensboro, NC – The Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC) recognized J.S. Waters as a Signature School during their annual Signature Schools Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 9. This was the first time J.S. Waters received this distinction from the organization. Beverly Browne, the principal of J.S. Waters, alongside Wendy Phillips, and Sonja Kitchings were on hand at the awards breakfast to accept the award on behalf of the teachers and students.
J.S. Waters was singled out for a number of reasons including performing above district and state averages for reading, math, and science. Teachers adopted a new approach to early childhood literacy and J.S. Waters saw 20% growth on literacy measurements of students. Teachers at J.S. Waters receive coaching and work collaboratively through structured meetings that evaluate the needs of every student to ensure instruction is tailored to each child’s needs.
The coaching model led to an increase in the Teacher Working Conditions Survey which revealed that J.S. Waters school leadership received 90% or 100% in every standard area. This reflects the community approach and feeling at J.S. Waters which actively engages the community in the learning process for students. In fact, the J.S. Waters Jr. Beta Club was recognized as a School of Distinction for their efforts with the Ronald McDonald House as an example of how they give back to the community.
“J.S. Waters is a community and we’re at the center and heart of Goldston. This is a reflection of what a great community Goldston is including our students, staff and instructional support from the district,” said Beverly Browne of the work that teachers are doing on behalf of students every day at J.S. Waters.