Jasper — Hamilton County High School celebrated a victory on Wednesday, Jan. 4 when it was announced that the school had jumped from a grade D to a grade C.

High school grades were released by the state on Jan. 4 after being delayed twice.

HCHS Principal Wanda Law and her staff were ecstatic after receiving the news from Superintendent Martha Butler that they had been upgraded to a C for the 2010-11 school year.

Law and her staff immediately went room to room, dancing through the halls to announce the happy news to all the students and teachers at the high school. Cheers of joy could be heard all over the campus.

One student approached Law during a break between classes and asked if the school could throw a party to celebrate the occasion.

“I’m all for partying after FCAT, okay? Spread the word,” Law told him. “Right now we are focused on the ballgame. We’re going to stay focused because we’re getting to the seventh inning,” she added laughing, and then wondered if she picked the right inning.

School grades in Florida are calculated based on numerous factors. Not only are FCAT scores taken into consideration, but those scores are melded with dozens of other criteria that include overall graduation rate, at-risk graduation rate, dual enrollment, acceleration participation and performance, and reading and math readiness. HCHS, Law said, went from a score of 836 to 896, a jump of 60 points, which gave them the C grade. They need 990 points to get up to a B grade, which means an additional 94 points need to be attained.

“The students are very excited because ultimately they’re the ones who produced the product for us,” Law said.

Law attributes much of their success to Barbara Daniels and Chris Combass. Daniels is the truant officer who has been relentless in making sure all students attend class. Combass was instrumental in ensuring that last year’s 12th grade students graduated.

Eighth grade AVID students, Cooks said, also worked really hard last year to help bring up the school’s grade.

Law wanted to give praise to Maceo Howell, last year’s principal at HCHS, who was a big part of the grade improvement.

“I called him on the phone and congratulated him,” Law said.

There have been many changes at the school and Law stated they have put staff where their strengths are and where they will be happiest teaching.

“When they truly believe and love what they’re doing, then it shows, and it shows in our kids, too,” said Law.

Better relationships between personnel, students and parents have been a priority at the school this year and it began with staff members. Law said that the culinary arts students make at least one free meal for the high school staff each month. They have even catered in food for staff to enjoy as a perk of the job. They have also given teachers two 55-minute planning periods each day, rather than just one. During that time teachers can make use of professional development programs, as well, which decreases the time they have to spend at work after hours.

“That has taken a tremendous burden off them, I believe,” Law said.

Additionally, staff took a bus trip around the county at the beginning of the school year to see where their students live.

“I was enlightened to see what Belleville was,” said Law. “I thought Belleville was a little community, but it encompasses thousands of acres.”

The purpose of the trip was to see firsthand what the students were faced with, as far as transportation issues.

So many changes have been mandated by the Florida Department of Education. Those changes coupled with the adjustments made at the school to comply with everything, Law said, has been difficult for staff, but they are getting through it.

“The planning has been different and the teaching in the classroom is expected to be different,” Law said.

The school is trying to get away from worksheets and pencil and paper tasks, as well.

“The use of technology has been something that we’ve really been trying to push,” said Law.

More collaborative teaching, Law said, has been building up consistency within the school. The focus is now on data and what is required for students to graduate and become successful.

“The state’s role is different,” Cooks interjected. “It’s not as intimidating. They’re more of a help now.”

Cooks attributes the positive changes to the new Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson. Robinson and his staff, she said, go in and do all they can do to help repair a failing school, not criticize them.

“He’s a sharp man,” Cooks said. “No nonsense, but he’s sharp.”

Law added, “Our district office staff has been nothing but supportive.”

Anything that Law has brought to Butler has been met with the utmost consideration by Butler, she said.

“If it’s anyway within her power to do so, then it’s been done, especially if the monetary funds are there to do it,” said Law. “We’re appreciative for that.”

Law also had nothing but good things to say about Dr. Felicia Fay Jones Moss, who is on staff as a Transformation Specialist at the district office. A native of Hamilton County, Moss came onboard just after Thanksgiving and Law said she has been extremely helpful. She also had the highest praises for Cooks, her assistant principal.

Law’s goal is to bring the school up to an A grade and with the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, district personnel and the community, it is a genuine possibility for the future.