Luray Middle School reports full accreditation, rising test pass rates and lower chronic absenteeism
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Summary
Luray Middle School staff reported that the school is fully accredited for the current year, highlighted sizable gains in eighth‑grade science pass rates and math pass rates that exceed division and state averages, and described attendance interventions that reduced chronic absenteeism substantially.
Luray Middle School leaders updated the Page County School Board on academic performance, attendance initiatives and in‑school support programs that they say led to full accreditation for the current year.
Academic results and instructional changes
The principal reported the school is fully accredited this year and described multi‑year improvement in statewide Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Reading (combined sixth–eighth SOL results) posted a 72 percent pass rate last year; math results moved to about an 80 percent pass rate, exceeding division and state averages according to the presentation.
Eighth‑grade science, which tests content from sixth through eighth grade, has been a focus. Staff said they reduced the failure rate by 10 percentage points from the prior year and reported a first‑semester pass rate of 73.68 percent compared with 62 percent the prior year.
Teachers used a mix of strategies the principal detailed: dedicated small‑group remediation time (RTI) called “prime time” during the school day that also offers enrichment, strategic test scheduling, expedited retake opportunities for students who narrowly missed proficiency, and teacher “spiraling” where sixth‑ and seventh‑grade teachers provided refresher instruction to eighth graders ahead of the test window.
Attendance and support services
The school’s attendance coordinator and attendance support staff were credited with daily family outreach and targeted interventions. The principal said chronic absenteeism fell from 17.43 percent last year to a rate representing 18 students above the chronic‑absence threshold this week — a reported current rate of 5.8 percent.
Staff also described schoolwide supports: weekly social‑emotional learning lessons, a Care Closet and “Beatles blessing box” for basic needs, a partnership with Rileyville Baptist Church for attendance celebration breakfasts, and teacher incentives for high staff attendance.
Programs and student recognition
Administrators highlighted multiple extracurricular and service initiatives: drama and music productions, trunk or treat and holiday parade participation, academic leaderboards (IXL, Lexia) and other recognition programs. The principal invited the board to the middle‑school musical scheduled for late May.
Board questions and clarifications
Board members asked for details about the schedule swap that places half the eighth graders in science and half in civics in alternating semesters; the principal clarified that the science test includes content from three grade levels while the civics test covers a single grade. Board members praised the work and thanked staff for attendance outreach and instructional changes that contributed to improved outcomes.
Ending
School leaders said they would continue targeted remediation and enrichment during prime time and return to the board with future updates.
