30-04-2025
Mullens Elementary School recognized as Exemplary Practice School
MULLENS, WV (WVNS) – Students, faculty, and staff at Mullens Elementary School are being acknowledged by the state for their efforts to improve student outcomes. In a day of celebration at Mullens Elementary School, the school was recognized by the West Virginia Department of Education as an Exemplary Practice School.
It is one of only three schools in the Mountain State to earn the distinction this year.
Since the Spring of 2024, the Department of Education's Exemplary Practice School program has been showcasing schools that have shown notable progress in one or more areas of the West Virginia Standards for Effective Schools. The standards serve as a reference for educators and administrators to assess and improve learning, and include areas of emphasis such as 'clear and focused mission,' 'instructional leadership,' and 'high expectations for success,' just to name a few.
The data-driven approach of Mullens Elementary has resulted in notable improvements in grades, test scores, and attendance for students over the past two years.
As a Mullens native herself, the Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education Office for District & Leadership Support, Jordan McBride was beaming with pride at the recognition of the community members behind this notable achievement.
'It's huge! I am honored to be from Mullens. This was my middle school. I went to middle school here,' said McBride. 'My parents' house is behind this school. Two tiny pieces of my heart are behind me, and my nephews go here. So, I've had these teachers. I've grown up with these people. It makes me emotional because it is such a big deal for them to be recognized for the hard work they do every day in such a small town.'
During the ceremony, Mullens Elementary students were addressed by staff and faculty members, including another Wyoming County native, Kara Shumate, who is in her third year serving as Principal for Mullens Elementary. Shumate told 59News that a renewed focus on the school's math department, along with an emphasis on attendance, collaboration, and teamwork have been essential to the school's recent success, the effects of which she says can be felt throughout the community.'Being from Wyoming County, we say it all the time, it's very close-knit,' Shumate told 59News. 'We're a small community. We've got a lot of community involvement, and just being recognized on this stage for the whole state is such an honor for our school and our community.'
Mullens Elementary is the latest West Virginia School to be recognized for its exemplary practices, following Mylan Park Elementary and White Hall Elementary, which were recognized in April.
Administrators who feel their schools may fit the bill for the Exemplary Practice program are encouraged to submit an application to the West Virginia Department of Education detailing the unique ways they are making a difference for their students.
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