Mary Bramlett students earn rewards for improved test scores

Mary Bramlett Elementary students look for the new bicycles they received Friday as a reward for their improved performance on the state's Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test. Students were promised a new bicycle if they improved their test scores at least one level. Decorated in colorful balloons, 70 shiny bicycles waited in a line Friday to be claimed by their new owners at Mary Bramlett Elementary.

The school district presented a new bicycle and helmet to any student who improved their scores at least one level on the state's Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). Students can receive a score on PACT of "advanced," "proficient," "basic," and "below basic." This year's test results will be released Wednesday.

The celebration culminated a yearlong effort by the district to improve test scores at Mary Bramlett Elementary. The school faces state monitoring if student achievement does not improve in 2008.

"Our teachers and students spend a lot of time getting ready for PACT," Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James said. "We wanted to reward them for their hard work. We challenged students to improve their PACT scores at least one level. We promised a nice gift for the teacher who moved their class the farthest on the test."

The school district delivered on the promise at Friday's celebration event with the help of donations from businesses such as Pepsi and Bike Works.

A total of 70 Mary Bramlett Elementary students received new bicycles and helmets.

The district had a tie for the teacher with the most improved test scores.

Third grade teacher Renee Hill and fourth grade teacher Allison Thrift each received a reward for their class's performance on PACT. Both were given a Holiday Gift Package to Grove Park Inn. The package includes a trip to Grove Park Inn, the Biltmore House and a day at the spa.

The district bused 20 former Mary Bramlett Elementary students from their new middle schools to take part in the celebration event.

District staff attended the program along with school trustees Amanda Knowles, Lindley Auton, Billy Blackwell, Jamie Martin and Cheryll Smith.

District administrators visited Mary Bramlett Elementary every Friday to provide smaller incentives for student attendance, discipline and classroom achievement.

"We wanted to give the students a reward each week for the progress they made towards the goal of improving their test scores," Mary Bramlett Elementary assistant principal Virginia Burrows said. "We are going to be more stringent with the criteria our students will need to reach to meet this year's goals."

James promised the students another reward if their test scores improve again this school year. "If students move another level, it won't be a bike," James said. "It will be something else."