The community support for academics is realized financially
as well as through volunteer efforts in the schools. A district-wide
student-to-teacher ratio of less than 14-to-1 ensures that students
get the individual attention they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Wherever you look, there are parents, neighbors and friends who are
proud of the accomplishments achieved by students in the Perryton Independent
School District.
Perryton demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching that begins
with the youngest students in the community. At Perryton Kinder, highly
qualified teachers teach over 250 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
classes. Programs such as the Waterford Early Literacy Program help
to jumpstart the children into a lifetime of successful learning, beginning
with successful reading. Children also enjoy other subjects like Riverdeep’s
Early Learning and Thinkin’ Things Interactive Curriculum, making
their first introduction to school a fun and rewarding experience that
will prepare them to enter the first grade at Wright Elementary.
James L. Wright Elementary School is the next stop on the path to a
successful educational experience. Students in first through third grades
are encouraged to excel in a variety of subjects. Small class sizes
allow teachers to focus on the individual needs of each student and
to pinpoint areas in which students may be struggling at the earliest
possible stage of the learning cycle. Computer and Internet labs introduce
students to the high-tech world and all it has to offer while maintaining
age-appropriate learning. The spring of 2003 saw 100 percent of third
grade test-takers pass the reading portion of the Texas Assessment of
Knowledge and Skills, a state requirement for promotion to the fourth
grade. Students leave James L. Wright Elementary ready to achieve success.
The vision statement of Edwin F. Williams Intermediate School demonstrates
why fourth and fifth graders in Ochiltree County are realizing their
potential: “The goal of Edwin F. Williams Intermediate School is
to provide a quality education in a safe, caring environment where high
expectations for success in learning exist. The diversity of the students,
teachers and community is recognized and respected. We strive to provide
a meaningful educational experience that will ensure unlimited choices
in each student’s future.” The school believes in instilling
personal responsibility in each student, letting each know that one
can achieve what one sets out to do. A new library houses over 34,000
books for use by Perryton’s first through fifth graders, encouraging
an early love of reading.
At Perryton Junior High, educators know the success of the student depends
not only on the student, but also on the parents and the community taking
responsibility for a quality education. In 2002, Perryton Junior High
was the UIL District Academic Meet champion. This is only one example
of how the school has proved its commitment to academics. The school
offers students an education in a variety of subjects beyond the traditional
areas of English, mathematics, history and science. Students are taught
about the cultural heritage surrounding them, allowing them a greater
appreciation of the society in which they live. There is vocational
training here, as well as opportunities to learn self-discipline. Students
are prepared to meet the challenges associated with senior high school
when they graduate from Perryton Junior High.
Academic programs are an integral part of Perryton High School (PHS).
The Texas Education Agency awarded Perryton High School their highest
accountability rating, “Exemplary,” because of an enriched
local curriculum that takes the required state curriculum a step further.
In addition to the core curriculum of English, mathematics, social studies
and science, students can take courses in business, home economics,
speech and theater arts, and art. In the spring of 2003, a PHS student
was the state champion in spelling, the online edition of the high school
newspaper was one of three national award winners, and the FFA livestock-judging
team finished fourth at state. These are just a few of the examples
of students and student groups who excel at PHS.
Educational opportunities exist in arenas outside the classroom as well.
There are many extracurricular activities available that allow students
to learn and grow even after the traditional school day has ended. At
both Perryton Junior and Perryton Senior High Schools, thriving athletic
programs give boys and girls the opportunity to learn self-discipline.
The Perryton Rangers have won state championships in boys’ golf
and have been state-playoff qualifiers in football, volleyball, softball,
baseball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’
cross-country, and boys’ and girls’ track. The awards do not
end with sports, however — there are also sweepstakes-winning band
and choir programs for the students to enjoy.
The Top of Texas Accelerated Education Center provides an alternative
setting for students in grades seven through 12 to complete their education
in a non-traditional environment. Since its inception in January of
2001, over 85 students have graduated from the campus.
Internet-accessible computers are available for all students. Twenty-one
computer labs of sizes ranging from 10 to 24 stations give teachers
and students the opportunity to work daily with the latest in technology.
A videoconferencing lab equipped with networked, wireless laptops at
the high school opens doors of opportunity regionwide for students and
staff alike. Comprehensive information about Perryton I.S.D. can be
found on its Web site, www.perrytonisd.com. Five certified counselors
and three registered nurses work diligently to meet students’ needs.
Children are considered the number-one asset of this community, and
stakeholders in the Perryton Independent School District expect and
receive excellence in educational opportunities for their children.
Because each student is valued, each student has the opportunity to
leave Perryton schools prepared, confident and equipped to make a positive
difference in the global economy of the 21st century.
Ochiltree County’s higher education needs are met by Frank Phillips
College (FPC) Perryton. Students of FPC Perryton have access to a contemporary
curriculum combined with state-of-the-art classroom technology. Residents
of the area are able to choose from a wide variety of instructional
programs and course offerings as well as a variety of student-support
services. Services available at FPC Perryton include academic and career
counseling, financial aid, grants, scholarship information, business
and industrial training, extended education and adult-learning opportunities.
Whether you are interested in furthering your education with lifetime
enrichment courses or are in pursuit of an associate’s degree or
a technical certificate, FPC Perryton can prepare you.
