News

School Grades Released

July 12, 2016

FLORIDA SCHOOLS IMPROVED THEIR SCHOOL GRADE DURING THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
~ Number of “F” schools cut in half since last year ~

 

Tallahassee, Fla., July 8, 2016 – Today, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released the 2015-2016 district and school grades, and the number of schools earning an “F” dropped by approximately 50 percent from 204 in 2014-2015 to 103 in 2015-2016. Additionally, 58 percent of schools that earned a “D” or “F” in 2014-2015 improved by at least one letter grade in 2015-2016. Overall, a total of 1,137 schools maintained an “A” grade or increased their grade in 2015-2016.

"Even as we have continued to raise the bar for student performance and implemented more rigorous standards by which schools are graded, Florida’s educators and students have continued to excel," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "It is clear that our focus on Florida’s most struggling students is paying off, especially in our ‘D’ and ‘F’ schools, 58 percent of which increased their grade in 2016. The great benefit of our state’s accountability system is that it constantly shines a light on areas that need improvement. I applaud the schools which improved, and I encourage all schools to pursue excellence persistently." – Commissioner Pam Stewart

 

Highlights for Holmes County include:

  • Two schools are graded “B” in 2016.
  • There are no schools graded “D” or “F” in the district.
  • Average graduation rate exceeds 80%
  • Improved ten percentage points in Civics, with 69 percent of students scoring Level 3 or higher.
  • Moved up seven percentage points in Grades 3-5 Mathematics combined (Florida Standards Assessment and End-of-Course assessments).
  • Improved four percentage points in both Geometry and Biology 1
  • Improved eleven percentage points in Grade 3 English Language Arts with 55 percent students scoring Level 3 of higher. (25% increase over last year – 3rd highest in Florida)

 2016 School Grades
Holmes District Schools C
Bonifay Middle School C
Poplar Springs High School C
Bethlehem High School B
Ponce de Leon High School C
Ponce de Leon Elementary School C
Bonifay Elementary School B
Holmes County High School  C

“I am pleased with our results as our schools continue to steadily increase their academic performance.   This is a combination of students working hard, talented teachers dedicated to them, supportive administrators committed to a standard of excellence, and involved parents.  I have seen firsthand the tireless efforts teachers are putting forth to prepare our students to achieve at their highest levels.”

“Florida has increased education standards and has a new assessment to measure these new standards.  In addition, there is a new, more difficult school grading system.  This is the first year the new grading system is in place under the new assessment or FSA.  There have been no “D” or “F” schools in Holmes County for two consecutive years.”

 “Our schools are busy making adjustments this summer based on FSA data.  I anticipate continued improvement because I believe in our students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators.”

Eddie Dixon
Superintendent of Schools

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

July 5, 2016

Legislation was passed (Chapter 2016-220, Section 24, Laws of Florida) to create a 3-day sales tax holiday that will begin at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2016, and end at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, August 7, 2016. During this period, no Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item and on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website at http://dor.myflorida.com/Pages/default.aspx.

Assessment Scores Now Available in Focus Parent Portal

June 23, 2016

Scores from the NGSSS, FSA, and EOC assessments are now posted online in the Focus Parent Portal.  Individual score reports will be sent from the schools.  Please contact your child's school if you have questions.

Memorial Day--No School

May 27, 2016

There will be no school on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Tuesday, May 31 will be the last day of school and an early release day. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer!

HCHS Main Entrance Closing Due to Construction

May 25, 2016

Effective June 1, 2016 until further notice, the Hwy. 90 entrance to Holmes County High School will be closed due to new construction. All traffic should enter the school from Sandpath Road. A temporary reception area will be established in the Agriculture Education area. Once you enter the school grounds, there will be signs directing you to this temporary reception area. Anyone entering the school will need to report to the temporary reception area for assistance. Thank you for your patience during this time.

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