Pike County High School is one of three schools selected as 2017 CLAS Schools of Distinction.

Also selected were Booker T. Washington High School of Macon County Schools and U.S. Jones Elementary School of Demopolis City Schools. Each school was nominated for the CLAS award by its respective superintendent.

Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools, said the CLAS Award recognizes schools or programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama.

Pike County High School was nominated for this award based on its Middle Matters program.

“Middle Matters is a comprehensive approach that includes a variety of wrap-around supports that are designed to meet the specific needs of middle school students,” said Shondra Whitaker, PCHS assistant principal. “Although PCHS serves grades 7-12, the teachers and administration realized a strong foundation in the middle school grades is critical for high school success.”

Whitaker said the seventh- and eighth-grade teachers, administrators and counselor all worked together to implement a variety of programs and strategies to transform the atmosphere of the middle school environment.

“As a result, the school has seen a huge improvement in its middle school test scores, discipline and attendance data,” Whitaker said. “Overall, the PCHS environment has been transformed to one where middle school students truly feel they matter.”

Vic Wilson, executive director of CLAS, expressed congratulations to the CLAS Schools of Distinction for providing excellent examples of the significant learning opportunities taking place in public education in Alabama

These exemplary schools will be recognized at a luncheon February 26, 2018, in Prattville at which time, the CLAS Banner School from State School Board District V will be announced. 

The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. One hundred and seven schools or programs were nominated for this prestigious recognition.