Montrose Elementary Named a Reward School

Montrose Elementary School (MES) has a lot to celebrate this year-the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) named Montrose Elementary a 2015-16 Reward School for having demonstrated exceptional student outcomes and success in closing achievement gaps.

"This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work put in by our students and staff," comments MES Principal Tony Steffes.  "I am just so proud of all of them. They are definitely deserving of this recognition."

This recognition is given to the top 15 percent of schools in the state who receive Title I funding and is the highest rating that MDE awards. Montrose has been Celebration Eligible the last two years, meaning they were in the top 25 percent (after the 15 percent). MDE uses Multiple Measurement Ratings (MMR) to determine improvements. MMR evaluates a school's performance on four key measures:

• Students meeting or exceeding their scores on state exams (MCAs-Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments)
• Student growth over time (improvement from grade to grade)
• Reduction of achievement gaps between white students and students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education services, and English learners
• Increased graduation rates (only for high schools)

Montrose Elementary is only one of three elementary schools in Wright County to earn this distinction.  Only 119 schools state-wide were named a Reward School out of the 2,044 schools in the state.

Minnesota Commissioner of Education Dr. Brenda Cassellius extended her congratulations to MES, "Your school is among the highest performing schools in the state, and this recognition reflects the incredible success of your students. I appreciate the hard work you do every day to ensure the students you serve are successful. It takes exceptional leadership and collaborative dedication to yield the kind of results your school has shown. Your staff is to be commended."

Steffes continues, "Building positive relationships with all students is the foundation for the success that we achieve academically. Our staff goes above and beyond to really get to know each child who walks through our doors.  They work tirelessly to help all students achieve outstanding results.  I cannot express how fortunate I am to work with such a dedicated group of people."

Moving ahead, Steffes says that they will always be looking for ways to improve learning opportunities for students.  "We have a very forward thinking staff who is always looking for ways to improve so I am excited about what the future holds for Montrose Elementary!"