3 Weakley County schools named Tennessee Reward Schools
PRESS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS:
WEAKLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — Weakley County Schools is celebrating another year of academic excellence with three of our schools earning the prestigious Tennessee Reward School designation from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE).
Dresden Elementary School, Dresden High School, and Greenfield School were named among the top-performing schools in the state based on 2024–25 data.
Reward School status is the highest distinction a school can earn in Tennessee’s accountability system. Schools are recognized for exceptional achievement or growth determined by the state’s rigorous scoring matrix. The matrix is made up of factors such as TCAP performance, growth measures, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and English language learner proficiency. Schools designated as Reward Schools rank in the top 5% statewide in overall performance.
Dresden Elementary School Principal Melanie Needham shared her pride in the school’s ongoing success after earning the distinction for the fourth consecutive year.
“This recognition highlights the strength of our entire school community,” Needham shared. “Teachers, students, families, and staff all contribute to the learning environment we’ve built together. To receive this honor for the fourth year in a row reflects the consistent, day-to-day dedication happening in every corner of our school.”
Dresden High School Principal Scott Killebrew emphasized how meaningful the recognition is for the entire school community.
“This distinction is the result of commitment and hard work at every level. I would like to thank our students, staff, and teachers who give us their best work, and our community and families that show up to support that work,” Killebrew said. “Our team at Dresden High has worked incredibly hard, and being named a Reward School is a celebration of that effort.”
Principal Jamie Doster highlighted how meaningful the recognition is for a school that walks alongside students from their earliest years to graduation.
“One of the strengths of a PreK–12 school is the shared journey: we know our students and what they need, and they know they have our support,” Doster said. “This recognition reflects the hard work, encouragement, and dedication from teachers, staff, families, and our community.”
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples commended each school on their achievement and emphasized that the recognition reflects a tradition of excellence across Weakley County Schools.
“We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment,” Cupples shared. “This recognition reflects the strength and dedication of our educators, hard work of our students, and the support of our families. Weakley County has a tradition of multiple schools earning this distinction each year, and we are proud to see a continuous commitment to excellence in all Weakley County Schools.”
To learn more about Tennessee Reward School designations, visit tn.gov/education.
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