The honors for Bridgeport’s school system continue to arrive. This time, Bridgeport Middle School has been recognized as the “Top Middle School in West Virginia.”

 

Last week, MSN.com released a report showing the top middle schools in all 50 states.  The national news agency’s Web site went with an education research site’s compilation of data from two sources to come up with the list of the standard middle school students – grades sixth, seventh and eighth. The sources used for the study were the National Center for Education Statistics and the Civil Rights Data Collection.

 

“We’re really excited because this is one of those rankings that come out, and there are often several, that analyze data and I think this shows we’re doing a good job,” said BMS Principal Carole Crawford, who recently became aware of the report. “I think that this report being part of a national news Web site is also something to be excited about.”

 

In particular, Crawford was excited with some of the components used to determine the rankings. Data that was part of the study included the school environment, how discipline is addressed and exams – various educational proficiency – using scores from the last three-year period.

 

“This says everyone is working hard from the kids to the teachers and beyond,” said Crawford.

 

Crawford also pointed out, as have administrators at other schools in the Bridgeport system that typically end up at the top or near the top of these annually, that it’s not by accident. Like others, she said success becomes a community effort.

 

“The community is extremely important. I don’t live in the Bridgeport community and it really stands out to me and always has. Any night of the week, all week and all weekend long, there are parents and kids involved in some type of public service and they’re dressed in their red,” said Crawford. “Being successful and being involved is something that is taught and expected at a very young age and that shows in rankings such as these.”

 

Click HERE to see the story on the msm.com Web site. The site includes a slide show listing the top schools in every state, as well as links to the data sources and other information.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the front of BMS, while bottom photo shows Principal Carole Crawford being recognized for her school's success by former Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie in 2012.