Mathews High School is one of only 27 schools from across the commonwealth to receive the 2023-2024 Virginia Board of Education’s Continuous Improvement Award, the division announced last week.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing team of school counselors in our counseling office, as well as outstanding teachers who truly go the extra mile every single day to ensure student success,” said MHS principal Dr. Drew Greve, after learning of the recognition.
Mathews High received this honor based on its increase in the school’s Graduation and Completion Index (GCI) for the past three years (2018-2019, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023) with a total increase across the three years of 4 percent or more; as well as a decrease in the dropout rate for those years, with the total reduction across three years of 15 percent or more of the first year’s dropout rate.
“Mathews High School has wonderful and hard-working students who have a wide variety of interests and post-secondary plans,” said Greve. “Being a smaller school allows for the time to work with students individually to discuss their interests and future.
“From the time students enter Mathews High School,” Greve added, “our school counselors get to know them by going into classrooms and talking as a group and meeting with students individually. This is beneficial in providing the guidance and direction students need to make decisions about their current academics and what they want to do after graduation. This individualized attention is helpful for students regardless of the path they take.
“Our school counselors Mrs. (Katelyn) Dodge and Mrs. (Shannon) Duff are able to guide students with their academic track in preparation and planning for college; as well as providing opportunities, information, resources and experiences in trade programs,” he added.
“In addition, they also assist students who may struggle with school and traditional academics by giving them the opportunity to get their GED through the ISAEP program for high school students. Providing several pathways to achieve the goal of graduating high school and planning for the future is why we have been so successful with our graduation rate at Mathews High School,” said Greve.
Exemplar Performance Awards provides the VDOE the opportunity to recognize schools, school divisions, or school boards for excellence in either high achievement, continuous improvement, or innovative practices, a release stated.
“On behalf of the Virginia Department of Education, it is my honor to recognize the staff, students, and the community for providing high expectations that have resulted in positive educational outcomes for all students,” Dr. Lisa Coons, VDOE superintendent of public instruction, wrote in an April 26 congratulatory letter to Mathews superintendent of schools Dr. David Daniel.