By Jean Ruzicka
jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Menahga Elementary School is one of 22 schools being recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education as a Celebration school for their efforts to increase student achievement.
This year, 143 schools applied for the honor.
The Celebration school designation is part of Minnesota’s federal accountability system that replaces No Child Left Behind.
Under Minnesota’s program, schools are assigned a Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR) based on students’ proficiency and growth, as well as a school’s progress towards reducing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates.
“It’s wonderful that the Minnesota Department of Education is recognizing Menahga Elementary’s academic success,” Superintendent Mary Klamm said this week. “I am proud of our entire staff, students, parents and community. It takes everyone working together to continually improve our achievement each year and show such great progress.”
Eligible schools, she explained must be a Title I school and must score in the 60th to 85th percentile on the MCA state testing overall.
These schools are invited to complete an application with specific criteria and in 1,000 words or less share what specific initiatives have supported their success.
Only 10 percent of Celebration-eligible schools become Celebration schools.
“I want to congratulate these schools for this incredible accomplishment,” said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. “Minnesotans should be proud of the work going on in our schools. I look forward to continue learning about their successful efforts to ensure all students succeed and share that work with other schools across the state.”
Menahga Elementary was named a Reward school in 2012, the top honor.
The Celebration designates “continuing improvement,” Klamm said.
