Stratford High and Philip Simmons Elementary are two of the 84 schools across the country named Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction.
Being selected as a Renaissance School of Distinction is the highest honor a school can receive from Jostens Renaissance, and substantiates that a school is committed to making a positive impact on its climate and culture through the Renaissance program. SHS and PSE were the only schools in Berkeley County School District to receive this title from Jostens.
“Receiving the Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction recognition is a prestigious honor for Philip Simmons Elementary and Stratford High School as they both embody the district's vision of making a positive difference,” Shameka Washington, Chief Administrative Officer of School Services, said. “It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, administrators and support staff at PSE and SHS, and is a testament to their collective efforts in fostering a positive and productive educational environment.”
Schools are named a Renaissance School of Distinction by implementing strategies from the Jostens Renaissance program, and then describing and documenting their programs’ successes in an application process. The Renaissance School of Distinction requirements can be viewed on the Jostens Renaissance website.
Schools can achieve being a Renaissance School of Distinction at three different levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum. As a school meets more of the set requirements, they reach the next level of recognition.
For their efforts during the 2023-2024 school year, Philip Simmons Elementary was named a Gold School of Distinction and Stratford High was named a Platinum School of Distinction.
“This award serves as validation that PSE and SHS have cultivated environments where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn, ” Washington said.
Both schools were recognized at the 2024 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference and received a poster, a display banner and other recognition items to commemorate this achievement.
