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Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Hayesville Primary cafeteria staff, custodians, office staff, teacher assistants, teachers, support staff and principal are applauded for their efforts. -
Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress From left, Early Education Consultant Carrie Bruns, Superintendent Melissa Godfrey, Instructional Coach Breeze Raxter, HPS Principal Heather Plemmons and Senior Director of Early Learning Amy Rhyne was presented the Western Region’s first Champion for Change Science of Reading Award.
By Deby Jo Ferguson
Staff Writer
Mum was the word at Hayesville Primary School until Monday, Feb. 23 when the school was recognized as an “exemplary leader of systems that used data to align literacy strategies that impact positive student outcomes.”
In a letter, N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt congratulated the staff for completing the Science of Reading professional development and also for, “Standing out among your colleagues to receive the Champion for Change Award.”
Hayesville School Superintendent Melissa Godfrey said, “I am filled with immense pride and admiration as we celebrate not just the completion of training, but with a community of champions within our educational family. Each of you have undertaken the challenge of enhancing your skills and embracing innovative strategies and the positive results are a testament to your commitment to excellence.”
As a result of their systemic, systematic and targeted school wide focus HPS was recognized by the office of Early Learning on behalf of NCDPI and Superintendent Truitt with the Western Region’s first Champion for Change Science of Reading Awar, according to Senior Director of Early Learning Amy Rhyne. They will also be contacted to complete the process to become a N.C. Promising Practice highlighted across North Carolina.
“Under the leadership of Principal Heather Plemmons and instructional coach Breeze Raxter, HPS has created an environment focusing on data-driven decisions to support instructional shifts and student success,” said Rhyne.
“Through grade levels PLCs teachers are being very intentional about the use of data and its urgency to support process improvement as it relates to student learning. Hayesville is targeting school and grade level core data trends with strategic focus on aligned, systematic, evidence-based core instruction for all students,” she added.
A few examples included:
• A school-wide science of reading based approach to vocabulary instruction.
• Hired Wilson (Fundation) coach to ensure fidelity of instruction.
• Implemented Heggerty school wide including pre-K.
• Stepped up to participate in the first statewide LETRS Cohort, serving as a trailblazer for other North Carolina districts.
• Exceeded state growth in 2022-23 Dibels data in every grade level.
“You prepared yourselves to lead with a vision for the future and today we acknowledge your resilience, thirst for knowledge and dedication to the betterment of our students,” Godfrey added.
“Embrace your roles as champions knowing that your influence can shape the trajectory of countless lives. Together, as a united front of champions, you will continue to elevate the standards of education and ensure a brighter future for our students. Congratulations on this achievement and I am so proud of each of you,” she concluded.
The celebration for educators was a surprise for everyone in attendance, minus a few who helped make the event possible. Excitement filled the room from educators in attendance and Plemmons, who was unaware of the presentation, had tearful words of thanks and congratulations to everyone at the end of the program.
Hayesville Primary cafeteria staff, custodians, office staff, teacher assistants, teachers, support staff and principal were applauded for their efforts and commitment.