JANESVILLE — Six months after Monroe Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, the Janesville School District celebrated the accomplishment Friday at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.
Students and staff who filled the JPAC auditorium were congratulated by district administrators and by state and congressional representatives after a police and fire department-escorted bus ride to JPAC.
The party-like atmosphere included music, high school cheerleaders and band members, school mascots, balloons, streamers, speeches and a blue-carpet entrance.
Monroe was one of eight schools in Wisconsin to receive the honor in 2023, and among 353 schools in the nation.
After an introduction by Principal Sally Pope, speakers included Superintendent Mark Holzman, Director of Learning and Innovation Allison DeGraaf, State Rep. Sue Conley, State Sen. Mark Spreitzer and U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil.
“Students, we asked you to give us your best and you gave us your best,” Pope said. “For our teachers and our staff, we asked you to go above and beyond and you went above and beyond. For our parents up in the balcony, we ask that you trust us with your children and be a partner with us in our learning and that’s exactly what you’ve done; you’ve trusted us.”
Pope thanked students for their “hard work, dedication and commitment” to Monroe.
“To say that I’m proud to be a part of this is an understatement,” Pope said.
Holzman told the crowd that in his near-30 years in education that this ceremony was his first celebrating a National Blue Ribbon Award.
“Each one of you has contributed to creating an environment of academic success, respect and kindness. Your enthusiasm for learning, your creativity and resilience in overcoming challenges inspires us all,” Holzman said. “This recognition is a tribute to your passion for education and your commitment to excellence in everything you do.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the diversity of American schools and students of every background. More than 40% of a school’s students must be eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Schools nominated must complete an application describing their school culture, philosophies, curricula, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and involvement with parents and their communities.
The recognition came after the school received a “meets few expectations” grade on its state report card in 2017-18.
DeGraaf recalled speaking on the phone with Pope after that and Pope sharing disappointment, but also a determination to take Monroe in the opposite direction.
“I think this is what sets Monroe apart at times because whether they were meeting few expectations at times or exceeding expectations, they never stopped striving to be better everyday,” DeGraaf said.
Conley congratulated teachers for the recognition. “The work you contribute, the support you give, the time you dedicate to your students has allowed them to thrive,” Conley said.
Conley later lauded the Monroe motto for celebrating “each growing mind, body and heart through active learning, and that’s what you’ve done. It has shaped how you students value individuality in a shared environment. The vision provides teamwork, problem solving, respect and community.”
Steil presented Pope with a certificate of congressional recognition for the school.
The ceremony concluded with teachers and staff receiving certificates for their contribution to the Blue Ribbon award.
A Blue Ribbon flag and plaque will be on display at Monroe honoring the recognition.
Most Popular
Comments / 0