Planning set for VIP bus visit here; leaders to see 'exemplary' W-WES
By KIP BURKE news editor

Local leaders will be meeting here June 5 to prepare for a high-profile VIP visit to a local high-achieving school set for September.

Washington-Wilkes Elementary School is one of only 13 schools statewide selected as a stop on the 15th annual Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Bus Trip Across Georgia late in September. The tour showcases achieving public schools for educators, business, government, and community leaders from around the state.

"It's a very big honor," said Principal Wanda Jenkins. "They chose only exemplary schools, they said, recommended by educators from around the state as doing something special in the area of math, science, and technology. This is the pinnacle of everything I've worked for as an educator."

The tour began in 1993 and has been a fixture in state education circles ever since. Schools selected as stops have a proven track record of academic excellence, educational innovation and sustained performance.

Dr. Stephen Dolinger, president of the Partnership, said, "Washington- Wilkes Elementary School, as well as the other 2007 schools, represents what is right in Georgia's public education system. They have all set high standards and goals and are preparing their students for the next level in their education journey."

He added, "Our visits accomplish two things. While we are bringing much deserved recognition to these schools and their school systems, we are also showcasing best practices to influencers who might adopt some of these great ideas for use in their own communities."

The visit also shows off Washington and Wilkes County to business and industry leaders. "This visit allows us to showcase all we have here in Wilkes County," Jenkins said, "not just our outstanding schools, teachers, and students, it's something we can all be proud of."

The Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, along with city, county, and civic leaders, will take part in both the preparation and the visit itself. "This exposes Washington and Wilkes County to business and industry leaders from all over the state," Jenkins said.

Dolinger also explained another objective is to provide decision makers an opportunity to see how policy impacts the classroom. "Education decisions made at the state level will ultimately reach the grassroots level. It is important for these leaders to see firsthand the results of their actions." He added that the annual trip helps highlight where and how Georgia needs to be focusing its efforts in improving student achievement.

The event will be conducted in two three-day increments in September and October. The first leg of the trip will visit seven north Georgia schools September 25-27 followed by another six stops on a southern swing, October 23-25. The Washington-Wilkes Elementary stop is scheduled for September 27. More than 200 riders and local site visitors are expected to participate over the entire schedule.

Joining Washington-Wilkes on the north route are Dawson County High School, Dawsonville; Otwell Middle School, Cumming (Forsyth County); North Hall High School, Gainesville (Hall County); Comer Elementary School, Comer (Madison County); Rocky Branch Elementary School, Watkinsville (Oconee County) and Rockdale Career Academy, Conyers (Rockdale County).

Schools on the south route include Rigdon Road Elementary School, Columbus (Muscogee County); Worth County Primary, Sylvester; Dooly County Middle School, Pinehurst; Bleckley County Elementary School, Cochran; Banks Stephens Middle School and Mary Persons High School, both in Forsyth (Monroe County).

Traditionally, the tour attempts to provide a wide range of educational programs for riders to experience. This year will be no different as participants will experience primary through high school levels and will see innovative approaches to education. There will be an emphasis on math and science achievement in many of the schools.

Founded in 1990 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education consists of business, education, community and government leaders who share a vision of education excellence. Working to be Georgia's foremost change agent in education, the independent non-profit, non-partisan organization takes lead roles in efforts to shape policy and reform education. More information is available at www.gpee.org.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
The Office Cat	1
Drug problem growing; little is being done	1
The Office Cat	1
Family escapes death in semi hit-and-run	1
Feed a family of four for $10 a week	1