What’s Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High is Level 5 Again
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Great things are going on at Cleveland City Schools, and the state is taking notice. Cleveland High is celebrating a three peat as a level 5 school. It’s a testament to continuing improvements across the board. That’s a rock-solid example of what’s right with our schools.
Bob Pritchard is the Principal at Cleveland High.
He explains, “We were just named a level five school by the state of Tennessee through our T rating. This is our third year in a row which is a huge deal for Cleveland High School. So, the level five status means that we exceeded by two index mark, two index two times index. What the state expected us to do. So, a level three would mean that that the students grew in average of one year a level five, means we way exceeded that, more than one year growth in in in a single year. So, we’re super proud of that. We’re super excited about that our teachers are killing it here. I always say that we have the best teachers around. I’m always saying too that our kids, like our diversity brings us such strength, and such excitement here, and really that’s that has really helped us to grow in so many different areas because, it is unusual that all demographics will rise at the same time that will, matriculate to the top. And I think a lot of that is just our teachers just pouring love into these kids.”
Nichole Armstrong is a Cosmetology Instructor at Cleveland High School.
She explains, “It is an honor to teach at Cleveland High. I can honestly say I am a product of Cleveland High and everything it has to offer. I graduated in 2000 and I am proud to be a part of this Raider culture here, and you know they, like I said, I see these teachers, we all we work really hard to pull the best out of these students, and it shows you know in all the demographics, not just in one area but all areas you know. We have so many PD’s, so many trainings to help us how we help these students, and I love that about the culture here. They don’t leave anyone out. They include everyone.”
Mario Ulloa is a senior at Cleveland High.
He explains, “I say it’s everyone. Everyone has you know. And it’s just not just the students or people. People normally say oh it’s the teachers that greatly contributed. I agree, teachers greatly contribute. But as well as the students have also put in their time and effort into showing these demographics of how much we’ve improved. It doesn’t matter if you’re poor or rich or, no matter the race, you are here, we’re all equal.”
Jeff Elliot is the Cleveland City Schools Director of Schools.
He says, “It’s amazing that our graduation rate continues to rise, but also all our subgroups are above what the state average results are. So, we attribute that to a lot of hard work; not only with our teachers, is really focused on meeting the needs of each of those subgroups. But also working and partnering with our families to work and to listen what their needs are. And then to hear from our students and provide multiple areas of opportunities for our students to get involved at the school. So that they’re committed to their education. So, we’re thrilled to celebrate that high graduation rate.”
Principal Prichard concludes, “Like if everybody in this building, if you think about that. If every single person in this building is trying hard; is trying their best doing the best that they can. Then there’s no way we can’t be level five. And so that’s, that’s the encouragement that I keep, I keep trying to give to my teachers and to my students. And we truly believe that we can be the best at all things, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
