On January 13, an announcement was made by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement that Gilmer Middle School was chosen as a platinum award winner in the 2011 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) awards. The school was chosen because of their gains in student achievements. Gilmer Middle School is one of only 10 middle schools in the state of Georgia to receive this award for the 2010-2011 school year.

A collaborative effort between teachers, principals and parents working with students is needed to achieve this type of success. To be chosen for this award, schools must meet three criteria: Make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three consecutive years; demonstrate that at least 35 percent of students exceed standards in all test areas as measured by state assessments; and place in the 98th percentile of higher statewide in greatest student achievement gains.