SanLee wins inaugural middle school 'Head of Class' award
In becoming the inaugural winner of the Ernest and Ruby McSwain Middle School Head of Class prize, principal Natalie Kelly says she and her team at SanLee followed a time-tested formula, one that prior winners utilized at the elementary-school level.
'It was the result of many intentional and strategic actions,' said Kelly, who led the year-over-year academic growth at SanLee Middle School during the 2023-24 school year. 'It was no happenstance.'
Kelly — who was promoted to Lee County Schools' central office staff as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction last June 1 — and SanLee's faculty and staff, along with new SanLee principal Christian Chaney, were honored with a reception at the school on Tuesday afternoon by the Lee County Education Foundation.
In addition to the recognition and a plaque, the school was given a symbolic check for $50,000 by the Foundation and the McSwain WorthyLands Trust. All faculty and staff who were a part of the school's work last school year share in an incentive that's based on school size; the actual amount to be distributed is more than $59,500.
Kelly, an 18-year teaching veteran who previously served as principal at J. Glenn Edwards Elementary — which was awarded the Education Foundation's 2023-24 elementary-level Head of Class prize on Jan. 29 — said SanLee's accomplishment was the result of the use of data-informed instruction and individual student data tracking.
'Teachers and students were focused on growth, and a growth-over-proficiency mindset was embedded into the culture,' she said. 'All students were setting goals on their benchmark state exams, and for each exam, the students would analyze their performance and set a new goal to grow in their next exam. This gave students buy-in and ownership of their own performance, and then it boosted their confidence each time they met their growth goal.'
Teachers at SanLee were also analyzing student data and student performance and setting growth goals for their classes, she added, emphasizing small group instruction and targeted interventions.
'Teachers, administrators and the academic coach continuously monitored student performance, grouping students based on their specific needs,' Kelly said. 'It was truly a collective commitment to high expectations and excellence — from our teachers, staff, students and families.'
The Lee County Education Foundation created the 'Head of Class' award in 2010 to recognize the most-improved elementary school in Lee County, using a variety of academic measurements to track year-over-year improvement. Earlier this year, in partnership with the McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, LCEF earmarked up to $50,000 to begin annually giving 'Head of Class' honors to one of Lee County's three middle schools as well — West Lee, East Lee or SanLee.
'The Foundation is delighted to implement Head of Class in the middle schools of Lee County,' said Dennis Wicker, who led the formation of the Foundation in 2003. 'We are convinced that healthy competition among these schools will definitely have an impact on enhancing the performance of our students in the middle grades.'
LCS Superintendent Chris Dossenbach said the Foundation's investment in Lee County School has made a lasting impact and continues to contribute to LCS's mission of educating students and building a brighter future for our community.
'This achievement shines a light on what so many of us already know — SanLee is a special place, filled with special people who put students first, make learning engaging, and achieve positive results,' he said.
'Being the first middle school to receive the Head of Class Award from the Lee County Education Foundation is a tremendous honor,' said Chaney, a 12-year educator who was formerly assistant principal at Greenwood Elementary.
Having won the award at both the elementary and middle school levels has been an honor, Chaney added.
'I can say it's one of the most meaningful recognitions a school can receive. It's more than a trophy — it's a catalyst,' Chaney said.
'It inspires staff, boosts morale, and reminds our community of what's possible when we work together. The partnership between the Lee County Education Foundation and LCS, especially through the generosity of the McSwain Foundation, has created a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come. I'm deeply grateful for their belief in our schools.'
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