03/04/2006
Knotty Oak is 'Spotlight School'
By NICOLE WIETRAK

COVENTRY - The New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) honored Knotty Oak Middle School by recognizing the school as a 2005 NELMS Spotlight School at a special presentation Wednesday in the school's Media Center.


NELMS, a non-profit organization based out of Topsfield, Mass., honors schools that have a deep concern and understanding for young adolescents in addition to consistently observing middle-level best practices.

Presenting the award to Knotty Oak faculty and staff were NELMS Executive Director Robert C. Spear and Rhode Island Middle Level Educators Executive Director William Fasano.

Spear opened the ceremony by establishing that, while some schools apply to be recognized as a Spotlight School and go through a rigorous screening process, the outstanding performance at Knotty Oak was actually brought to the attention of the organization.

In May of 2005, representatives from NELMS visited the school and evaluated certain aspects of Knotty Oak, such as teacher/ student interactions, teacher/ administrator interactions, the school's overall climate, and whether standards-based instruction was taking place.

Knotty Oak's score was off the charts, Spear said.

Spear explained the importance of having an outside organization give recognition to educators and schools saying it urges schools to sustain their effective practices and challenges them to continue to maintain high standards.

"This isn't a 'Perfect School' award," said Spear, "a Spotlight School means continuous improvement."

Knotty Oak's designation as a Spotlight School puts it in an elite class, being one of only three schools in the state to achieve such recognition and one of 29 schools in all of New England to receive the award.

The award is given for a three-year period, assuming that the exemplary practice continues. At that time, a review of the school takes place and the results determine whether the school is eligible for another three-year period.

Supt. of Schools Kenneth R. DiPietro spoke and commended the faculty and staff for creating and maintaining a superior learning environment for their students on a continuous basis.

"If you aren't proud, then you need to be," said DiPietro, who also congratulated the school's principal, Michael Convery, for his dedication to excellence at Knotty Oak.

During the closing of the ceremony, Spear presented the school with a large banner honoring it as an official Spotlight School.

"We hope the banner will hang proudly in your school for many years to come," he said.