Loveless Academic Magnet Program High and Booker T. Washington Magnet High have again been ranked among the best high schools in America by three of the country’s most respected news publications. Loveless was ranked 13th in the nation by Newsweek Magazine on its list of the nation’s top 500 high schools. LAMP was among seven Alabama schools to be included on the list and there was only one other school in Alabama that ranked higher than LAMP. In addition, LAMP was named the 20th best high school in America by U.S. News and World Report, and was ranked second in the state and 23rd in the nation on the Washington Post’s Challenge Index.

Booker T. Washington Magnet High School was also listed among the nation’s best in the Washington Post Challenge Index. BTW ranked ninth in the state and scored higher than 750 other schools around the nation on the list, which included about 1900 schools.

Floyd Middle Magnet students’ performance has earned the school the designation of being named a National Making Middle Grades Work National Pacesetter School. The award is based on the success of local school leaders and teachers in improving school practices and raising student achievement. Floyd Middle was one of only two Alabama schools to earn the distinction.

Pacesetters are schools that realize success by creating a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement in preparing middle students for challenging high school courses and productive careers.

Loveless Principal Sylvia Goshton, BTW Principal Quesha Starks, Floyd Middle Magnet Principal Vince Johnson and their students, staff, faculty and parents are to be commended for bringing distinction not only to our community but to our state. I am very proud of what they have achieved. Their accomplishments reflect the district’s larger efforts to remain focused on high student achievement and I’m excited about our plans to keep students forward.

Beginning in the fall, all MPS sixth grade students will move up to middle school and programs like Home Connect, Renaissance Place, pre-AP courses, and the expanded use of technology will help students gain the 21st century skills they will need to take advanced placement courses and higher-level math once they reach high school. We know that if we want to impact the graduation rate and create productive young adults that are ready to compete in the workforce, we have to begin that work before they reach high school.

For the first time ever, MPS will hold a Middle School Showcase on July 9 from 9 a.m.-Noon at Alabama State University to help students make the transition from elementary to middle school. Workshops will be presented on a variety of topics including INOW Parent Portal, Code of Student Behavior, 2011 Grade, Promotion and Retention Guidelines, COMPASS and Grade/Credit Recovery, Home Connect and counseling services offered by the district.

I am very proud of what our schools have accomplished, and I have high expectations for the upcoming school year. I know that our students can achieve great things and I believe what we have seen at Loveless, BTW and Floyd is an indication that we are moving in the right direction.