Weems Elementary selected as finalist for National Urban Education Award

The National Center for Urban School Transformation has announced that Weems Elementary School is one of 22 schools from across the country chosen as a finalist for the National Excellence in Urban Education Award. Weems was recognized for generating strong test results, high rates of attendance, and excellent student behavior among each demographic group of students enrolled.  “These schools are among the best urban schools in the nation,” stated Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST), the organization that administers the award program.  

“We are extremely proud of this honor,” said Weems Principal, David Rupert.  “To be among the finalists for this award is definitely due to the incredible Weems staff and students who work very hard towards high achievement.” 

To be eligible for the NCUST Award, urban schools may not have selective admissions policies. The school’s test results must be better than the state average for all students. Also, the school’s test results for every demographic group of students must be better than the state average for all students. All schools must have high attendance rates, low suspension and expulsion rates, high graduation rates, and evidence of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Once again, Weems students and staff have shown what next level achievement looks like,” said Dr. Catherine Magouyrk, Superintendent of Schools.  “Mr. Rupert and his team have created a supportive environment where all students believe in their ability to succeed and all teachers and students do the work required to achieve that success.”

Weems, one of five elementary schools in the City of Manassas, has a learning environment that includes a Talented and Gifted (TAG) enrichment program, which assists each student in identifying their personal talents and gifts.  Students are placed in multi-grade, cross-curricular electives that promote higher order thinking and provide exposure to a wide range of career interests including fine arts, finances, STEM, journalism, culinary arts and more.  Additionally, Weems implemented a successful school-wide uniform program in 2013.  “Our students arrive at school ready to work each day,” said Rupert.  “They know coming to school and doing well is their job, and that is what is represented when they wear their uniform.”

Beginning in early January, each finalist will receive a site visit from an NCUST evaluation team of researchers and practitioners. According to Dr. Lynne Perez, NCUST Associate Director, “We recognize schools that are great for every group of students served. Our focus is all about results: Are all students learning?” NCUST received applications from thousands of urban schools throughout the nation. Of those received, Perez says 22 presented superior evidence of excellence and were named finalists.

After the site visits are completed, NCUST will announce the award winners in March. Each winning school will receive $2,500 and will be featured at the National Excellence in Urban Education Symposium to be held in Dallas, TX, May 20-22, 2015.

When asked about the key factors that are common across all high-performing schools, Dr. Johnson is emphatic, “It’s all about curriculum, instruction, and climate. Great urban schools offer challenging, rigorous curricula. They expect students to excel, even when they might have difficult home situations. Furthermore, in great urban schools, teachers provide a caliber of instruction that helps students learn challenging content. Instruction is clear, focused, and engaging. Teachers present content in ways that make it easier for students to relate and understand. Finally, the school climate is safe, positive, and supportive. School administrators and teachers work together to establish a climate that engages parents, supports students, and breeds success.”