HENDERSON, KY (WFIE) -
In Henderson, No Child Left Behind results show a big improvement in reading and math scores over the last decade.
Now, the school district is launching their first-ever initiative to celebrate and improve success, all focused around the number 12.
Henderson County Schools are ranked 12th in the state in reading and math and the district is getting ready to launch the 'We Are 12' campaign.
But school officials tell 14 News, although they're pleased with that ranking, they're going to push even harder to move up.
"It's sort of like you win a conference championship and you want to get to the Super Bowl." said Henderson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Richey.
In the past nine years, Henderson County schools have moved up 32% in reading and 46% in math scores, but they say they're not stopping at number 12.
"I don't think any school district should be content with wherever they fall on the chart of achievement if they're not really wanting to get the very best that they can," Richey said.
This week, the district is preparing to hang student-designed signs, billboards, even getting their twitter account ready, for the 'We Are 12' campaign to let the community in on their success.
"We're really just making a difference not only in students lives, but I feel like we're making a difference in parents lives as well as working with local businesses," said Henderson County Schools PIO Danielle Crafton.
School officials tell 14 News after adopting the new Kentucky core standards, they're working hard to challenge students district-wide, preparing them for college and careers, early-on.
"That applies to children coming in to Kindergarten. Everything is devoted to maximizing their academic potential," said Richey
Students say faculty play a big role in taking them academically to the next level.
"They're really good about working with students and making sure their needs are met in the classroom and outside. They really want to see their students do well," said Henderson County High School junior Jake Walker.
HCS says the campaign will start at the end of this month and run through May.
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