–submitted || (Above) The Benton Middle School student body gives themselves a well-deserved round of applause upon hearing their test scores.

Benton Middle School rankes fourth in state testing

BMS scores
highest in region
in all categories
but math

By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Features Editor
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – The students and teachers at Benton Middle School have something new to brag about. Recently, the staff of BMS was informed that of the 330 middle schools in Kentucky, BMS had ranked number four in state testing ranks.

Of the areas tested, BMS students ranked first in the region, an area consisting of 21 districts the students ranked first in each category with the exception of mathematics.

In science, students topped the charts, ranking first in the state with a score of 121.82. In social studies, students came in fifth at the state level with a score of 115.10. In reading, students came in sixth with a score of 111.47. In on-demand writing, students came in with a score of 95.16, ranking them eighth. Math scores of 100.86 put BMS students at 15 in the state index.

Overall, the BMS students raised their scores from 101.9 in 2008 to 110 for 2009.

Lone Oak Middle School was the closest area school in comparison, placing second in the region with a score of 101 overall.

It was certainly cause for celebration to staff and students, and faculty turned out in style to support the cause.

BMS faculty had the opportunity to shine during a school-produced NBC style singing competition.