Leesville Road Elementary School in Wake County held a celebration Monday after the school met end-of-year assessment benchmarks, according to a post from Wake County Public Schools.

The school reported that for the past 13 years, Principal Ari Cohen has promised students he would shave his beard if the school hit specific proficiency targets. K-2 students were required to reach at least 85% composite proficiency on mClass assessments, which measure literacy and math skills. Students in grades 3-5 were required to reach at least 85% composite proficiency on End-of-Grade tests in reading, math and science.

This year, the school said it met the targets. It reported K-2 students achieved a 92.6% mClass proficiency rate, and grades 3-5 earned an 85.6% composite proficiency rate on EOGs. The post also said the statewide average EOG/EOC proficiency rate was 55% in 2024-25.

As promised, Principal Cohen shaved off the beard he has worn for 37 years in front of a gym full of cheering students and staff, the post said. The celebration was described as recognizing the hard work and dedication of the entire Leesville Road Elementary community.

Garner, NC

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