Whitley East Elementary among elite schools in Kentucky; top ten in teaching social studies, writing

Above, Whitley County Schools Superintendent Scott Paul receives a banner on behalf of Whitley East Elementary School from the South East/South Central Educational Cooperative. The school is one of the highest performing elementary schools in the state of Kentucky.

An elementary school in extreme eastern Whitley County has been identified among the top 10 in the state at educating students in writing and social studies.

During the last round of state accountability results, Whitley East Elementary School was already identified as a “School of Distinction,” the highest ranking a school can receive from the Kentucky Department of Education. It is considered to be in the top one percent of elementary schools in the state at educating its students.

But a look deeper into the number reveals that this “oasis” perched not far from the Bell County line is equaling and often surpassing schools in districts that are more affluent and with less of many of the social factors that so do not coincide with educational excellence.

Almost every student at the school, 95.7 percent of the student population, is considered at least “proficient” by state standards in social studies. And 85.6 percent of students at the school are proficient at writing.

“I think it’s just a good example of the school being the center of the community,” Whitley County Schools Superintendent Scott Paul said. “Everyone has a vested interest in the school. There is good parental support. I’d say 90 percent of the teachers that work there are products of that community and are really proud of that school.”

“It’s just a really tight knit community. The school has good leadership and people have high expectations, so they get results.”
Whitley East Elementary has had a history of success.

In the 2012-13 school year, it was among the top 11 percent of elementary schools in the state. It improved nearly 10 points in its overall accountability score from 74.8 to 84.1 in a year’s time.

School Principal Mike Partin agrees with the notion that the school, and its success, is paramount to the Siler community.

“We pride ourselves on having a good work ethic and trying to give our children the best education we can,” Partin said. “The rapport that the faculty and the children enjoy, along with the extra work the teachers put in really shows. We try to provide children with instruction and programs that encourage mastery.”

To that end, Partin said the school offers a host of after-school activities focused on educational enrichment. It is also the site of an active preschool center that pushes its student population from 225 to about 265. The preschool, Partin said, serves as an excellent entry point for children so they feel comfortable at the school when they start there in Kindergarten.

Whitley East Elementary was completed in 2007 and is comprised of the combined student populations of Poplar Creek Elementary and Nevisdale Elementary Schools. The well-conceived, inviting atmosphere of the school is often praised for its endearing qualities.

“It’s very impressive, particularly to those who have never seen it,” Paul said. “It’s a beautiful building. It’s like an oasis.”

“I don’t think there’s any question that there’s a strong correlation between the environment a student is in and academic success. It’s not always the case, but I don’t think you can overlook the impact of having a nice, safe atmosphere for your students and teachers.”

Partin, who before becoming principal two years ago, was a teacher at Whitley East, Poplar Creek and even for a short time at Whitley County High School, said the facilities are indeed first rate.

“I hear those comments a lot and it is true,” Partin said. “To me the most impressive thing about Whitley East is the children. The children and the staff. They make the difference.”