Greenville, SC -- Fifteen Greenville County schools have earned Red Carpet awards from the State Department of Education to recognize their success at creating family-friendly school environments and providing excellent customer service. Schools maintain the recognition status for three years, at which time they must re-apply for the honor. Fifty Greenville County Schools have now earned the distinction.

Eight schools received the honor for the first time and six schools received the award for the second time. Mountain View Elementary received the honor for the third time. Winning schools will receive commemorative red carpets to display in their lobbies.

“Our principals and school staff clearly understand the importance of high-quality customer service,” said Superintendent Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher. “A school that consistently demonstrates genuine support for families, community and visitors knows the rewards will pay off exponentially.”

Schools began the Red Carpet award application process last fall.  Applicants provided written details about their family-friendly philosophies and environments, along with the methods used to promote and self-evaluate those efforts.  They also were required to include copies of their school’s communication plan.

Schools that passed the written application phase were then screened by independent judges who rated how telephone callers and visitors were treated.  Judges did not identify themselves during telephone calls or site visits, and site visits were not announced in advance.

Schools are judged on a variety of factors, including the exterior and interior appearance of the campus, the way people were treated in person and over the telephone, and the information and programs available for families and visitors.  Specific items that judges evaluated on their site visits included: 

Outside

• Clearly marked visitor parking spaces near the front door.
• Well-kept grounds that are free of debris and trash.
• Plainly marked entrances, particularly the main entrance door.

Front entrance/lobby

• Clean and appealing lobby/front entrance.
• “Welcome to our school” signs that clearly direct visitors to the main office.
• Attractive, colorful displays of student achievement and school events.

Office

• Clean and tidy front office.
• Reading material about the school available for visitors.
• Welcoming and professionally dressed staff who greet visitors promptly and quickly ask to offer assistance.
• Visitor badges available.

Telephone

• Telephones that are answered promptly (within three rings) and professionally.
• Person answering the phone has basic, up-to-date information readily accessible.
• Callers are put through to appropriate parties promptly.
  

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