Hiram Elementary School recently was recognized as a High Progress Reward School, according to a press release from Georgia State School Superintendent John Barge.

Hiram Elementary was one of only 156 schools throughout the state to receive this recognition.

A “High-Progress School” is among the 10 percent of Title I schools in the state that is making the most progress in improving the performance of the “all students” group over three years on the statewide assessments.

Hiram Elementary Principal Paul Wilder stated, “I am truly proud of the Hiram Elementary family. This recognition affirms the hard work that our teachers and students put forth each and every day. In addition, it is a testament to parents who support their students’ learning at home.”

When asked what specifically they have done to promote these results, Wilder said, “Our staff takes personal responsibility for the achievement of all of our students. The staff of Hiram Elementary works hard and has a focus on implementing the right strategies in the right way.”

Paulding County Schools Superintendent Cliff Cole said, “We are excited for the students and staff of Hiram Elementary that their hard work is being acknowledged by the State Department of Education. As a former staff member of Hiram Elementary, I know what a special community they have. I am proud of the recognition they have received, but am most excited about what we see going on in their classrooms each and every day.”

It is not only academics showing progress at Hiram Elementary School. Since June, their campus has been undergoing a transformation. A new addition and renovations to the existing campus are currently under way. When completed in the fall of 2013, the new addition will include 35 classrooms, music and art rooms, a cafeteria, and media center. The addition will increase the school’s student capacity to 875. Currently, Hiram Elementary serves 612 students in grades kindergarten through five.