Eureka Elementary School has been awarded the 2019 Board of Education Distinguished Achievement.

Governor Ralph Northam and the state board of education announced last week that Eureka Elementary was among 270 schools that earned the award as part of the 2019 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced student learning and achievement.

“I am delighted to recognize the Virginia students and faculty at all of these schools for their academic excellence and commitment to innovation and continued improvement,” said Governor Northam. “The schools and school divisions that have earned these awards are not only the highest-performing schools in our Commonwealth but are among the best schools in the nation.”

The VIP program recognizes schools and divisions that exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board of education.

The Distinguished Achievement Award means that Eureka met all state and federal benchmarks and made progress toward the goals of the governor and the board of education.

According to Eureka Principal, Brian Hamilton the school’s enrollment for the 2018-19 term ranged anywhere from 470 to 480 students.

Hamilton pointed out that he feels that Eureka was able to make such great progress in meeting Gov. Northam’s goals because the system starts by trying to hire the best and most qualified individuals for all positions. “Fortunately, we have been lucky and have found these individuals.” he added.

According to the principal, the school also uses instructional data to identify students that need additional support and provides those supports during and after school.

“It is important to note that our teachers and support staff are essential in providing these supports to help our students. Our parents support our efforts to support students by allowing them to stay after school and helping them at home.” said Hamilton.

“Congratulations to Eureka Elementary School for being recognized for this outstanding academic achievement,” said Charlotte County School Superintendent, Nancy Leonard. “It is very difficult to receive this recognition, and I applaud Eureka students, staff, and administration for a job well
done.”

The Virginia Index of Performance program was established by the state Board of Education in 2007 as a means of recognizing schools and school divisions that exceed state and federal accountability standards.