Pennville’s list of accolades is long

To the editor:

In regard to the suggested looming closure of Pennville Elementary, I would like to inform every one of the tremendous accomplishments, achievements and awards that this school has attained.

If and when another school in Jay County can compete with this list, I will then consider allowing my child to attend a Jay County school. Until then, if Pennville does indeed close at the hands of the Jay School Board, my daughter will attend Southern Wells Elementary.

These achievements, accomplishments, and awards include: 

•Oratorical Contest — Pennville students have won local, county and district in the last several years. 

•Spelling Bee — We have participated in the Muncie Star–WIPB Spelling Bee for several years. Last year we had the fifth-place participant. 

•Science Fair — All grades participate in our local science fair. Class champions are awarded, as well as ribbons to all students who have projects in our local fair. Nine projects are selected from grades three through five to attend the regional science fair at Ball State University. In recent years we have had honorable mention for several students, red and blue ribbons, plus some students going on to semifinals in Bloomington. 

•Students of the terms are selected and honored by the Dunkirk Optimists. 

•Masons of the month are sponsored by the Pennville Masons. 

•Spring talent show held and open to public every year. 

•United Way — Collections over the past two years have surpassed $1,000 and we have won the student collection per student. 

•Third Grade Care and Share Bring the Change raised over $300 for a worthy cause. 

•Pennville Lions award outstanding fifth graders with a stock certificate at the end of the year. 

•Staff members have been chosen as top educators in Jay County.

•Staff have written and received grants from area foundations and businesses. 

•Staff members have been recognized and funded through donorschoose.org.

•Only Family Friendly School designee in Jay County 2016/2017.

•Established one of the first of two elementary robotics clubs in Jay School Corporation. 

•Teachers have made great connections with individuals in the community whom have made donations to the classrooms. 

•Student council sponsors a very successful canned food drive for our local food pantry. 

•Just Say No Club helps to educate the students and the community about the dangers of drug abuse and to “just say no.” 

•Student council decorates a tree outside of Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home, Dunkirk, with each holiday and season. They also visit with the residents. 

•Exemplary improvement on standardized test scores in a one-year time frame. 

•Low student to teacher ratio equals more one on one opportunities in the classroom. 

Bringing up the topic of declining enrollment, how many students is the corporation going to lose now? After all, my daughter is just $7,000 in their eyes. How much more money is the corporation willing to risk at the expense of shutting down a school? 

Respectfully, 

Michael Armstrong

Pennville