This means regardless of the student's economic background or race, they are each improving. We are working on whatever each student needs. Some need help with math, reading, writing, and others need food.
Students walking into their classrooms at Falling Water Elementary School Tuesday morning were greeted with blue ribbons and balloons representing the school's prestigious new distinction.
The elementary school, slated to be closed at the end of this school year, was designated a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Just 285 public schools nationwide received the distinction, and only six public schools in Tennessee made the list.
Principal Lea Ann Burk credits the school's success to her dedicated staff.
"The staff works hard to make sure that every student who leaves this building is a reader and writer," Burk said.
Falling Water is one of two elementary schools in the state to receive the award because of its progress in closing achievement gaps between historically underserved student groups and their peers over the past five years.
"This means regardless of the student's economic background or race, they are each improving," Burk said. "We are working on whatever each student needs. Some need help with math, reading, writing, and others need food."
Fifty-six percent of the students who attended the school last year received free- and reduced-priced lunches, and this year students at the school tested above the state average in every subject.
Burk said the school's focus on intervention has been the key to success, saying her teachers are aware of how to educate and advocate for their students. The school also has two interventionists on staff who work with students to make sure they are progressing and receiving the support they need.
Schools like Falling Water serve as a model of excellence across the state, Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said in a written statement.
"The students, teachers, administrators, and parents in these communities have made thoughtful and innovative decisions to promote student learning and deserve to be recognized for this outstanding achievement," McQueen wrote.
School board member Rhonda Thurman, who represents Falling Water's district, said it is "heartbreaking that this great school will be closed."
Schools like Falling Water prove the benefit of small schools where teachers know every student's name, Thurman said.
A ribbon marking Falling Water Elementary School as a National Blue Ribbon School hangs outside of instructor Nelle Ward's 3rd grade class on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, in Hixson, Tenn. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon School on Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education."Falling Water has just been a hidden treasure for years," Thurman said. "But the school system would not put any more money into that school and wants large schools."
Superintendent Rick Smith did not return requests for comment on Tuesday about the school's designation and its imminent closing.
Falling Water, with about 225 students, was built in 1912 and is in poor physical condition. In the last couple of years, the school district has made strategic decisions to start building "mega-schools" like East Brainerd Elementary School, which opened this year.
These larger schools allow for students from several schools to be combined into one school house and save the district money, as they are less expensive to staff, operate and maintain. Construction is underway on a new Ganns Middle Valley Elementary School, located directly behind the existing school.
The new $29 million school will serve up to 1,000 students, taking students from the current Ganns Elementary and many of Falling Water's students.
Thurman said she hopes Falling Water students will be given the option to attend Soddy-Daisy or Daisy Elementary schools.
Inside Falling Water, the mood was just joyful Tuesday, according to Burk.
"It could not be a better day," the principal said. "Everybody is walking around with a smile on their face, as they should be."
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6592.