News 2’s Cool Star School Award Finalists Announced
January 28, 2016
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced that WCBD News 2, Charleston’s NBC affiliate, is the sponsor of the second annual Cool Star School Award to honor schools whose educators are making great strides in student achievement and parent involvement.
The award will be presented on February 6 at the CCSD 2016 Winter Gala, An Evening with the Stars: Broadway! Three finalists have been selected this year: Laing Middle, Pinehurst Elementary (2nd year nominee), and Mitchell Elementary.
“It’s never easy to select just three finalists when you have such incredible schools vying for the Cool Star School Award,” said Anita Huggins, CCSD’s Executive Director of the Office of Teacher Effectiveness. “We are proud of all of our schools and the work they do every day to enrich the lives of our students.”
A selection panel consisting of district and community leaders will visit each finalist school to observe the programs and strengths celebrated in the school application. The selection panel will engage in conversations with students, faculty, staff, parents, and volunteers to witness first-hand the impact the school has made in meeting the district’s goals.
“The on-site school visits will be tough competition but we are looking forward to celebrating with the winner of the Cool Star School Award on February 6 and acknowledging all our star schools and star CCSD educators,” Mrs. Huggins added.
All three finalist schools will receive a table at the gala event on February 6 to celebrate their work and commitment to the district’s vision.
For the past six years, An Evening with the Stars has honored “star” teachers and principals during the annual event. It is the committed work of these star educators which has led the school district in its efforts to close the achievement gap, elevate achievement overall, and raise the graduation rate. For the second year, An Evening with the Stars will honor “cool” schools where star educators have committed themselves not only to the students with whom they work each day, but also to the community in which they work.
Finalists for the Cool Star School Award are judged on school-based projects that have increased parental and community involvement based on specific outcomes and practices that positively contribute to student achievement and overall school culture.
