Rollings is 'showcase' state school Staff report

Because of the success it has demonstrated recently, Rollings Middle School of the Arts has been included in the Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards Showcase by the S.C. Department of Education.

"I'm very proud of our school staff and our students," Rollings principal Elena Furnari said.

"Now, our story is online for other schools to look at."

The state body made the announcement on Aug. 15, and in recognition of the honor, Furnari and assistant principal Camilla Pinckney accepted a plaque on behalf of the school at Monday's Dorchester School District 2 board meeting.

Schools featured in the showcase provide one-page summaries describing programs or topics that they believe directly impact student achievement.

Their summaries offer good tips and practical ideas on various issues ranging from instructional practices that increase student learning to innovative community involvement strategies.

The summaries — along with other school information including poverty levels, enrollment and demographic characteristics — are posted on the showcase section of the department of education's Web site at www.ed.sc.gov. This is the third straight year that Rollings has been honored.

Other district schools that have been part of the showcase in the past two years include Windsor Hill and Spann elementary schools, Alston Middle School, and Summerville and Fort Dorchester high schools.