Carroll County School System is pleased to announce that Ithica Elementary School (IES) has earned the Star Award for Promising Practices from the Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators (SSTAGE). IES is the only elementary school in the state of Georgia to receive this prestigious honor this year.
“We congratulate IES for being recognized at the state level for their innovation and creativity in instructional practices. They are a shining example of what it means to be premier and positively change lives on a daily basis,” stated Scott Cowart, Superintendent of Carroll County School System.
SSTAGE chooses its Star award winners based on a school’s implementation of multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) practices including, effective systematic problem-solving processes, coordination of instructional supports and resources, coordination of system of behavioral supports and resources, system of assessment and progress monitoring, job-embedded professional learning and ongoing teacher supports, and the systematic plan for family communication and involvement.
Ithica Elementary’s team has developed a unique approach to learning that involves student goal-setting, coaching cycles, student visuals, incentives, and celebrations to encourage students to grow and thrive.
Colleen Jones, Principal of Ithica Elementary School shared, “It is an honor to be chosen as our state’s rising star award recipient. As a staff, we are dedicated to helping our students become future focused. We have created a personalized learning experience for each of our students. This “IT School” experience helps students to own their performance and continual growth while feeling loved and celebrated by every adult in our school community.”
“Ithica Elementary is a special place because of the talent and dedication of its teachers and leaders. While we are incredibly proud of the many awards and recognition IES has received, we are most proud of the positive impact Ithica is making on the lives of their students every day,” added Dr. Jessica Ainsworth, Assistant Superintendent of School Performance.
IES will be formally recognized at the Promising Practices Virtual Conference on January 12, 2022.
