Hats off to Windsor and Carrsville elementary schools, which were among only 103 schools across Virginia recognized this week for raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students.

The awards presented by the Virginia Board of Education were based on student achievement on state assessment tests during the last school year and 2009-2010.

The principals from both schools were thrilled and commended students, teachers, staff and parents.

It takes the combination of these components for success. Most important is students need their parents’ involvement; they need their parents to get on them about doing homework, studying for tests and getting involved at school. They need their parents to attend open house, concerts and family reading nights.

An uninvolved parent gives a child the impression that he or she doesn’t care about his schoolwork. If the parent doesn’t care, why should the child?

So good job to everyone involved. Keep up the good work.