Woodmere Elementary School Recognized for its Strong Resolve, Advances in Prestigious Global Competition

Woodmere Elementary School of Jefferson Parish School System in Harvey, Louisiana, is named a top-ten contender in the World’s Best School Prizes’ Overcoming Adversity category.

HARVEY, LA (June 13, 2024) — Woodmere Elementary School of Jefferson Parish School System in Harvey, Louisiana, took a big step toward being named one of the World’s Best Schools in a prestigious global competition. Now, it is a top-ten contender in the World’s Best School Prizes’ Overcoming Adversity category.

“What makes Woodmere Elementary especially worthy of international attention is its unbreakable sense of teamwork, even through multiple hurricane seasons that damaged its school and community,” said NIET’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “NIET is proud to support Woodmere’s team to strengthen instructional practices, and we are thrilled they have been selected as a top 10 finalist in this prestigious award competition.” 

The school’s recognition in T4 Education’s international competition is largely due to its resolve and community-building after Hurricanes Ida and Katrina. The storms left parts of the school seriously damaged, with pieces of the roof missing and buildings compromised. Despite the odds, Woodmere came together as a team to inform students how the school would navigate the calamity, and resume instruction. 

Not only has Woodmere shown resilience in the face of two hurricanes, but it has grown academically throughout its challenges. The school was named a 2022 Louisiana Comeback Campus, an award that recognized schools that made significant gains in both math and English language arts since the pandemic as well as during two historically active hurricane seasons. Woodmere was also named a 2023 School of Promise by NIET for its dedication to improving instructional practices and continued student progress.

“Today, we celebrate our school's outstanding achievement of being named a finalist in the World’s Best School Prizes for Overcoming Adversity Award. Education is a road everyone should want to travel with an open mind. While traveling on that road you will encounter roadblocks, but you must keep moving to reach your level of academic success,” Principal Givonna Hymel said. “At Woodmere, we are so proud of our accomplishments and we’re thankful for the recognition.”

Superintendent Dr. James Gray commended the elementary school for reflecting the district’s commitment to perseverance and student support. “Congratulations to Woodmere Elementary for making it to the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prizes 2024 in the Overcoming Adversity category!” said Dr. James Gray. "This is an amazing accomplishment! Overcoming adversity is no easy task, but your resilience, dedication, and hard work have truly shone through. In the face of challenges, you have shown remarkable perseverance, strength, and unity."

World’s Best School Prizes’ Overcoming Adversity category highlights schools worldwide that see adversity, challenges, and obstacles as an opportunity to learn and grow. Selected schools are honored for the way they shape and support their students and community, all while keeping a positive outlook on themselves and their future, taking ownership of their circumstances, and becoming resilient. There are five categories in the World’s Best School Prizes, and the top three in each category are named in September. The five category winners will be announced in November, and each will receive a $50,000 prize.

About NIET

NIET is a partner of Jefferson Parish Schools, supporting its great classroom teaching by building the capacity of teachers and leaders. For more than two decades, NIET has partnered with schools, districts, states, and universities to build educator excellence and give all students the opportunity for success. NIET's initiatives, including the TAP System, teacher and leader development, school improvement, rubric and observation systems, and educator preparation, have impacted more than 300,000 educators and 3 million students across the U.S. 

About Jefferson Parish Schools

Jefferson Parish Schools is the largest and most diverse public school system in Louisiana and the 98th largest in the nation. The system of 74 schools serves approximately 47,000 students on both banks of the Mississippi River. With approximately 6,000 employees, JP Schools is one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish. The district exists to provide the education its students deserve to succeed in life and make the world a better place.