Fort Worth schools are finalists for national award

Principal Keri Flores is not shy about promoting her school.

“I tell my kids all the time that this is the best school in Fort Worth,’’ Flores said.

Early this year, W.C. Stripling Middle School was selected as a finalist for an award by the National Center in Urban School Transformation. The award is provided to schools with high numbers of socioeconomically-disadvantaged students who are meeting the state’s testing and accountability standards.

Stripling, a 650-student campus for grades 6 to 8, was one of four campuses in Fort Worth that were identified as “bronze” recipients. The other “bronze-level” campuses include South Hi Mount Elementary, Charles Nash Elementary and W.P. McLean Middle schools.

All told, 22 urban public schools in the nation were selected for the “bronze” distinction.

On Feb. 2, officials from the center on urban school transformation are expected to visit Stripling and “bronze” recipients to determine whether the campuses will garner a “silver” or “gold” award.

Flores said Stripling will be ready for the visit.

“”It’s an all day visit and they will interview a group of parents; they will interview a group of teachres; they will go into every classroom and collect evidence to see if our application mirrors what we said,’’ Flores said. “Then they will decide whether we get a bronze, silver or gold.”

The key to the campus’ success is solid relationships between educators and students, said the six-year principal. Under the state’s accountability rating system, Stripling “met standard” and received five academic distinctions, she said.

“My teachers here really get to know the kids and it’s that level of respect the kids feel and the pride that sets us apart,’’ she said. “We feel that pride.

Last year, the district’s Young Men’s Leadership Academy was handed a “silver” distinction in the national competition. North Hi Mount Elementary, Charles Nash and W.C. Stripling were selected as “bronze” winners.

Also in January, the district’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy was one of 26 Texas public schools nominated for a 2016 National Blue Ribbon. The campus now must undergo scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education.

In Fort Worth school district, Charles Elementary School was awarded a 2014 National Blue Ribbon. Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School was a nominee in 2012, but did not receive the national award.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 10:59 AM with the headline "Fort Worth schools are finalists for national award."