ATLANTA – State Representative Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula), joined by State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge, visited Frank N. Osborne Middle School yesterday to witness the award-winning academic programs offered at the school. Rep. Sheldon invited Georgia’s top education official to the school after serving as the school’s “principle for a day,” so that Superintendent Barge could see for himself the school’s successful education program.
“In my first visit to Osborne Middle School, I was blown away by the enthusiasm of Osborne’s teachers, administrators, and students,” said Rep. Sheldon. “From the moment students walk off the bus and are greeted by all of their teachers, the school actively works to maintain a positive environment that keeps the students engaged and excited about learning. I was so impressed that I decided to invite Superintendent Barge so that he could see for himself the quality education offered.”
During their visit to Osborne Middle, Rep. Sheldon and Superintendent Barge sat in on classes for art, social studies, and special needs students. The state leaders also went to two science classes, one of which discussed Newton’s laws of gravity while the other featured a joint lesson on how to write a science paper that was taught by a science teacher and a language arts teacher working together. Rep. Sheldon and Superintendent Barge concluded their visit with a student interview by the Osborne Middle Student Council for the school’s news program.
Rep. Sheldon led the Georgia House of Representatives in recognizing Osborne Middle School with House Resolution 1168 on February 8, 2012. She also visited the school earlier this year when she served as a “Principal for a Day,” a program offered through a joint collaboration between the Gwinnett County Board of Education and the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. As “principle for a day,” Rep. Sheldon shadowed Principal John Campbell and saw first-hand the proactive efforts taken by the school to help educate its students and why these efforts have resulted in the school’s many accolades.
For the past two years, Osborne Middle has posted the top score in the state for the eighth grade writing test. This is due in large part to the school’s stringent writing program, which includes a multi-year commitment to teach writing in all four core subject areas, including math and science. The success of this program has earned the school numerous awards from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, including the 2011 Platinum Award and recognition as a Georgia School of Excellence. Now, with the visit of Superintendent Barge, the school is receiving personal attention from state education leaders.
For more information about the academic achievements of Frank N. Osborne Middle School, please click here.
Representative Donna Sheldon represents the citizens of District 105, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and was elected by the House Majority Caucus to serve as their Caucus Chairman in 2009. She currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee. Rep. Sheldon also serves on the Appropriations, Banks & Banking, Ethics, and Rules committees.
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