Two Virginia Elementary Schools Earn National ESEA Awards

Two Virginia Elementary Schools Earn National ESEA Awards

Sandston Elementary School in Henrico County and Parkway Elementary School in Virginia Beach have both earned National notoriety for their achievements.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators has designated Parkway Elementary in Virginia Beach and Sandston Elementary in Henrico County as National ESEA Distinguished Schools for 2020-2021.

ESEA stands for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act which is a federal program and part of Title 1. The ESEA replaces the previous “Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015”, which requires states to establish long-term and interim goals for increasing student achievement in reading and mathematics.

Parkway Elementary was selected for exceptional student performance for two consecutive years. More than 76% of Parkway students are economically disadvantaged.
“Principal Krista Barton-Arnold and the staff of Parkway have worked to build a unique, innovative learning community that encourages students to see themselves through culturally-responsive curriculum and high-quality instruction,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said.
Sandston Elementary was selected for excellence in serving special student populations. Seven percent of the students at Sandston are homeless and more than 60% of Sandston students are economically disadvantaged.
“Principal Kim Powell and her team at Sandston Elementary believe that the core of their success is a desire to provide equitable opportunities for every student. Students thrive because the program is geared toward the whole child, as well as their family, no matter the need,” Lane said.
Parkway Elementary and Sandston Elementary achieved state accreditation for two consecutive years prior to the waiver of school ratings this year because of COVID-19.
Both schools will be recognized during the National ESEA Conference, February 8-11, 2021.
Title I of ESEA provides funds to all of Virginia’s school divisions for supplemental educational support to eligible schools. The focus of this program is to raise the achievement level of students at risk of academic failure due to poverty and other factors.