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Shenandoah Elementary reports test gains, attendance push; local 'Making a Difference' backpack ministry honored
Summary
Shenandoah Elementary staff presented improved test results — including a jump in fifth‑grade science pass rates — described attendance and mentoring initiatives, and the board recognized the Making a Difference backpack ministry as volunteer of the month. The ministry provides weekend food bags and currently serves about 73 students weekly.
Shenandoah Elementary teachers and leaders presented academic and engagement highlights to the Page County School Board on March 27, reporting gains in standardized measures, new attendance incentives and community partnerships.
During a brief ceremonial portion of the meeting Scarlett McCloud, a fifth grader at Shenandoah Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board then recognized the Making a Difference backpack ministry as the district’s volunteer of the month. Division staff said the ministry began in February (the transcript notes formation by about 30 volunteers from local churches) and currently supports roughly 73 students each week. The presenters said the program costs about $500 a week in food purchases and runs entirely on donations from businesses, churches and individual community members.
Instructional highlights shared by school staff included raw and growth‑adjusted pass rates. Presenters said Shenandoah’s raw reading pass was 73% but when student growth indicators are included the pass rate rose to 85%; in math the school reported an 83% pass rate including growth. Fifth‑grade science showed the largest single‑year gain presented: from about 45% in earlier years to 84% in the most recent administration.
School leaders acknowledged gaps for students with disabilities — for example, reading pass rates for that subgroup were reported at 67% (versus 85% overall when growth is included) — and said targeted interventions and compliance with the Virginia Literacy Act are priorities.
The presentation also detailed attendance work: after a winter dip the school has used weekly recognition, incentives and a mentor program that pairs OnCore/encore staff and community volunteers with students who need extra support. School staff described a March attendance incentive (“March Madness” activities) intended to boost daily attendance percentages.
The board and superintendent praised the school’s community engagement and student programming. One board member said the school’s energy and creative programming are evident when visiting the building.
Ending: School leaders invited board members and the public to visit the school and said they will continue to report results as the division monitors progress toward literacy and attendance goals.
