Tucker Elementary & Perdue Primary Win GA School Bell Awards

Tucker Elementary School and David Perdue Primary School were named 2009 Georgia School Bell Award winners by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP).  The GAESP presents this award annually to schools with outstanding programs in the area of curriculum and organizational leadership.  No more than 10 schools receive this award each year. 

Tucker Elementary was chosen for its Tiger Time program, which began as a mentoring program and has evolved into including a time for staff members to meet with small groups of students to work on test-taking strategies.  In addition to teaching these strategies, the mentors also provide support and encouragement to a small group of students throughout the school year.

Principal Dr. Kim Halstead commented, “During my nine-year tenure at Tucker, the staff, students, and families have established a reputation of maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere while also addressing individual student needs.  Tiger Time is a direct reflection of the role that each and every faculty member plays in helping all Tucker children experience success at some level.  When we made the decision to add additional student support by involving our auxiliary staff, their response was ‘whatever it takes, we are ready and willing to assist our students.’  Receiving the School Bell Award along with our recent recognition of eight years of Distinction as a Title I School is cause for celebration!”      

David Perdue Primary was selected for its Book of the Month program, which was implemented three years ago to increase the number of books in classroom libraries and to support the literacy program.  At the end of each school year, titles are chosen which support all subject areas and appeal to all students.  This list is shared with parents and community members who donate funds to purchase the books.  At the beginning of each month, every classroom is presented a book.  This program has helped increase excitement about books and literacy at David Perdue Primary. 

Principal Leslie Shultz said, “Winning the School Bell Award is an honor, and we are grateful for this recognition of our school.  This award demonstrates what can be accomplished when the entire school community gets involved.  I am excited to celebrate this award with our children, teachers, parents and community partners.”

Halstead and Shultz were presented the awards during the Fall Principals Conference, which was held early November.  Past Houston County recipients of the School Bell award include:
• Matt Arthur Elementary, 2008;
• Eagle Springs Elementary, 2007;
• Shirley Hills Elementary, 2006 and 2001;
• David Perdue Elementary, 2005;
• Linwood Elementary, 2005;
• Northside Elementary, 2003;
• Morningside Elementary, 2002;
• Quail Run Elementary, 2000; and
• Centerville Elementary, 1998.

The photo of the Tucker team shows (from left):  PE teacher Chris Brown, Assistant Principal of Instruction Patricia Bolden, Principal Halstead, and Counselor Melissa Thompson.  David Perdue Primary Principal Shultz is pictured with Linda Horne, Executive Director of Elementary Operations.