September 26, 2024

Shout Out to the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools!

The U.S. The Department of Education recently recognized the seven Minnesota Blue Ribbon Schools. Congratulations to all of these schools and their entire learning communities. Leadership matters!

“Seven Minnesota Schools Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools

MINNEAPOLIS – The U.S. Department of Education this week recognized seven schools in Minnesota as National Blue Ribbon Schools. They join a cohort of 356 schools nationally that are being recognized for excelling in academic performance or making significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. 

The Minnesota schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools are:

Exemplary High Performing Schools 

• Caledonia – Caledonia High School, Caledonia Area Public School District

• North Oaks – Chippewa Middle School, Mounds View Public School District

• Hills – Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School, Hills-Beaver Creek School District

• Pierz – Pioneer Elementary School, Pierz School District

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools 

• Ortonville – James Knoll Elementary School, Ortonville Public Schools

Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools 

• Mankato – Franklin Elementary School, Mankato Public School District

• Plymouth – Oakwood Elementary School, Wayzata School District

This is the first year Minnesota schools have been honored for both high performance and closing achievement gaps.”

*The above information is taken from MDE’s press release on September 24.

Leadership Matters!

“You cannot lead others until you first lead yourself.” - John C. Maxwell

“We cannot lead others where we ourselves will not go.” - Gary Howard

The two quotes above are taken from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Thomas’s recent MASA Professional Dialogue Series presentation. I highly recommend joining his sessions and I know your colleagues who participated on September 24 would agree! Here is information on how to join us for the next session on October 22! The topic will be “Tackling Imposter Syndrome.”

In case you needed any more reasons to lace up your walking shoes!