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The smallest school in the district has received a perfect score for one standardized test for last year.

Reuben Elementary received a 100, the highest grade in the district for the 2010-11 school year’s Palmetto Assessment of State Standards test.

The test measures student performance by South Carolina academic standards and are used for accountability purposes on a school, district and federal level.

There are five subject areas which include English/language arts, science, social studies, math and writing. However, different grades take different tests at different times. The test is for those in grades three through eight.

While Reuben had the highest grade, there were other schools who very close and who worked hard. All of the other elementary schools had either A’s or B’s; however, it was Reuben who scored a 100.

Reuben Principal Mike Stroud acknowledges that he is very proud of the effort put forth by the teachers and students, but they will need to continue working hard especially with standards rising for the upcoming year.

Stroud doesn’t want everyone at Reuben to become complacent. The work continues and they must aim higher.

Stroud acknowledges some different assets that helped Reuben achieve a perfect score.

For one, they had a computerized math program which was used in computer labs weekly along with enrichment. This helped the students brush up on math skills.

The program was made possible because of the parent-teacher organization’s efforts. This year the school will have access to this program once again.

Stroud also acknowledges all the teachers for going above and beyond, but a retired teacher, Susan Senn, also came at least a few days each week to help with reading skills.

Senn also provided support to another school, Boundary Street, as well.

Stroud also acknowledges enrichment time and the small school allows for smaller classroom settings which is an advantage.

Enrichment period is a district requirement, but Stroud says that at Reuben, they had the children divided into groups and the teachers would rotate everyday focusing on a specific subject in a more personal setting.

The school also had fun ways to positively reinforce the students with PASS pep rallies and gifts from local businesses.

This year, science will be a big focus as the teachers are finding that this is a more difficult subject.

While the small school scored perfect, the bar has been raised and they must at least meet or exceed this for next year.