Forge Ridge School
Third Place, East Division, Middle Schools

Marty Cosby, Principal
160 Hill Road
Harrogate, TN 37752
Claiborne County Schools
http://www.claibornecountyschools.com/forgeridge/index.html

Recipe For Success:

Forge Ridge School is a K-8 school with 90.6% of the students economically disadvantaged. Our objective at Forge Ridge has always been to give each child the best education possible. Our motto is “Whatever it takes, our children are worth It”, is easy to say. But it takes hard work and dedication as well as a collaborative effort on behalf of all employees at our school. We truly believe that every child can learn and be successful. In order to be a successful school as a principal, I have to make sure to employ the best teachers possible. I look for certain qualities, such as; team players who are dedicated to the teaching profession. Acquiring quality staff development and in-service for my teachers is a priority. Staff Development and in-service must strong research based that includes the 5 components of effective reading instruction Our district level elementary supervisor, Dr. Janet Barnard has brought and presented superior staff development and in-service to my school. I have increased the time of the reading blocks for K-7 from one hour to two hours daily. This has proven a very effective measure in our reading scores.

We have a literacy coach for grades K-6 that has been very successful. Our literacy coach works very hard across grade levels planning better communication among grade levels and securing the best teaching strategies for student achievement.

Also our school received two grants that allowed us to operate an after school program that has proven to be very effective. We concentrate on academics as well as activities of interest, such as dance, golf and cooking to mention a few.

The Claiborne County Board of Education, Don Dobbs, Director of Schools and the Central Office Personnel have been instrumental in providing expertise and financial support.