Kent County High School, ten minutes outside of Chestertown at the edge of an anonymous expanse of cornfield, is just removed enough from the mainstream to seem remote, mysterious. You may see buses come and go, but you don’t see students congregating or laughing together, or get a sense that it is a cohesive education-focused community. Add to that the sterile facade of the building, the perception that the student body has been suffering from increasing social problems, including student fights, and the inconsistencies inherent in the school’s recent history of revolving-door principals, and it’s easy to understand how confidence in its quality can be negatively impacted.
Newly-appointed School Principal Tracey Williams is starting to make real gains in not only combating these perceptions but in returning the school to its former glory among the high schools across the state. Focusing her first year on the day-to-day climate in school, Principal Williams has been diligently working toward achieving her primary goals: making her school a “safe” place to learn; reducing by over 40% the number of “referrals” in a given year; and concentrating on the 95% of the student body eager to have a quality education.
Not so long along, Kent County High School was considered one of the best high schools in the State of Maryland, based on state achievement scores. Tracey Williams is determined to win back that distinction.
Profiles in Education is a new six part series on Kent County education. Next month, a profile of Kent County High School.
Scott Bramble says
Hiring Tracey was one of the best moves that the KCBOE has made in a long time. She is the real deal. So often in the past those that were hired were recycled administrators from far off places…To give local talent a chance gives the sytem a leg up by creating some accountability.
Steve Atkinson says
The school didn’t deteriorate in a year, and it’s going to take a little bit of time to bring it back. After the first month of this school year I was told by one of the long term faculty members that the climate in the school was the best that it has been in years. Having been in the school at least once a week during the past few years, I can see a change.
There are many good things going on in the school. Things that sometimes are brought out to the public as well as it should be. We have an award winning Band Program. They came back from their trip to Florida and the Gator Bowl with 6 awards.
The Drama production had over 800 attendees during its three day run.
There has been many accolades to the Culinary Arts program.
This is just a few.
On this Thursday and Friday the High School will host the School System’s Fine Arts showcase. Come out and see the talents that are growing in Kent County.
Tracye Landon says
Well said, Scottie! Way to go Tracey!
Kathy Florent Marketing Manager ECS says
Nicely executed video presentation!
When I transferred my son half way through this year back into the main stream, I was not sure what to expect. I have had several chats with Tracey since then and find her very pleasant to talk with. She has given me a renewed faith with her caring attitude that change is possible for this school. Next year my other son will be entering the high school and up until this year I had a lot of worry about whether this was the best choice for his education. Restoring school spirit and helping the student body to find pride in their school and what they are achieving is a large part of what this school needs, I think the school still has a way to go but with positive role models like Tracey Williams I think the school has a good chance to recover.
jenifer says
Go Tracey!
country girl says
Kudos to Tracey and doing a great job!
Kathy Seip says
I’m glad you were recognized for your HARD work Tracey! Denny and I
KNOW how hard you work and how much the school has improved this year.
Congratulations!
Karen Smith says
Go, Tracey. You’re clearly a good choice for the school, and at last it has a leader and a cheerleader, not just a body in the principal’s officel.
Thad Bench says
Tracey should be commended for taking on one of the most important jobs in the county. There is nothing more important than our children and having a high school that is safe and actually educates kids will be a big step forward. I am fortunate to have Tracey and her family as a neighbor and can vouch for her charachter and work ethic…she is a first class headmaster.
Nancy Lee Jewell says
Way to go Tracey, thank God we have someone who can FINALLY make a difference for the children in our good County. Keep up the good work!!!