Wellington’s Principals Credit Teachers And Unique Programs For Strong School Grades
A-Rated Schools
BY DEBORAH WELKY
If there’s one thing overall that attracts young families to choose Wellington, it’s the community’s top-performing public schools. There are six elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools that serve the Wellington area — and all 11 are consistently A-rated schools in the State of Florida’s annual grade reports. What makes Wellington schools so successful? To get the answers, Wellington The Magazine spoke to all 11 principals. Not surprisingly, they gave much of the credit to their teachers. “At Palm Beach Central High School, excellence is never assumed, but always pursued,” Principal Darren Edgecomb said. “Our school is a microcosm of society. Our diversity is our strength. Our classroom teachers are the single greatest factor in our students’ success.They believe that each student has greatness inside.” “We have bilingual teachers in every grade level who can relate to children and their families,” said Dana Pallaria, principal at New Horizons Elementary School. “We have teachers who care 20 august 2020 | wellington the magazine
about students and go above and beyond every day to ensure that students are successful emotionally, physically, socially and mentally.” “Our teachers are absolutely amazing,” added Michella Levy, principal of Binks Forest Elementary School. “They work countless hours to ensure that our students get what they need academically and emotionally. We love our students, families and the Village of Wellington for all their support.” “Our teachers develop rigorous lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Their dedication and perseverance are evident when you enter any classroom,” explained Blake Bennett, principal at Wellington Landings Middle School. “Teachers take the time to get to know their students, and that translates to higher achievement in the classroom. They work together to plan, remediate student gaps in knowledge and use data to drive best instructional practices, which is beneficial for new teachers and experienced teachers joining our staff.” “The majority of our dedicated pro-
fessionals have taught only at our school, including several who have been in this profession for 15-plus years,” said Edilia De La Vega, principal of Panther Run Elementary School. “We are a family.When an initiative is implemented at our school, it is accomplished with 100 percent buy-in, and that is why we are so successful.” “Our teachers know the importance of working together to disaggregate data, share knowledge and discuss multiple ways to reach students, especially those struggling academically, emotionally or socially,” said Michele Johnson, principal at Equestrian Trails Elementary School. “Our teachers have been completing professional development in STEM education, and their efforts have been phenomenal. They are not afraid to try something new.” Wellington Elementary School Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan echoed the others when she said that her teachers are relentless in their efforts to reach every child.“They are dedicated professionals with a myriad of experience and expertise,” she said.“With the recent changes