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Robert C. Byrd High School Noted for 'Excellence' by Jennifer Biller STAFF WRITER CLARKSBURG -- Robert C. Byrd High School is one of only two high schools in the state named West Virginia Schools of Excellence this year. The state Department of Education honored 13 schools with the award. There are more than 800 schools in West Virginia. In addition to RCB, in this region Belington Middle in Barbour County, Anna Jarvis Elementary in Taylor County and Rivesville Elementary in Marion County were also given the award. Schools of Excellence are chosen for exhibiting improvement in student achievement, reduction in dropout rates, raising standardized test scores and implementing advanced or innovative programs. This was the first year RCB was eligible to compete for the award, said Principal Leon Pilewski. Schools have to be in existence for at least five years before they can apply, he said. The staff, parents and students worked on the application from November until February, Pilewski said. The lengthy application asked questions about teaching methods, programs and curriculum, he said. "It was an excellent self study, and the staff utilized it," Pilewski said. "I think a lot of eyes were opened in house to the kinds of things we do, from the different clubs to the community service programs." To apply, the schools submit paper applications and also undergo site visits by department personnel, said Tony Smedley, who oversees the program for the Department of Education. Students and teachers are interviewed as part of the application process. Pilewski believes the curriculum and programs helped the school achieve the award. The microbiology program offers students lab rotations at United Hospital Center, so they can get theory and practice, Pilewski said. The school's Cisco regional networking academy offers students two years of classes in computer networking. Upon completion and passing an exam, the students can become certified in networking, he said. "The teachers and kids won the award. They are RCB," Pilewski said. "It's not just our award. It's for all of Clarksburg and the communities of all the former schools that consolidated into this one and have been supportive." The school has about 100 employees. Harrison County Superintendent Carl Friebel said he is proud of the school. "This is a confirmation of the new initiatives at Byrd," Friebel said. "It's a very just reward for the effort of the teachers and staff and shows a real commitment on their part." Since 1990, 130 schools have been named Schools of Excellence, Smedley said. In Harrison County, 22 schools have received the honor, Friebel said. Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1449 or by e-mail at jbiller@exponent-telegram.com |