Friday, August 16, 2024

Kennedy Elementary School Earns Level 1 Certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools™


Kennedy Elementary School proudly announces its achievement of Level 1 certification in the Marzano High Reliability Schools™ (HRS) program. This prestigious certification signifies that Kennedy Elementary has established a "Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture," a critical foundation for all subsequent levels of the HRS framework. Ensuring such a culture is essential for optimizing student achievement and the daily operations of the school.

The HRS program, developed by Marzano Resources, is designed to transform schools into proactive organizations dedicated to student success. The program employs a five-level hierarchy, backed by over 50 years of educational research, to help schools assess, monitor, and confirm their effectiveness. By achieving Level 1 certification, Kennedy Elementary has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and acquire the skills necessary for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Mrs. Shelly Boelter, Principal of Kennedy Elementary School, expressed her pride in this accomplishment, stating, "I am incredibly proud of our staff, students, families, and the entire Kennedy Elementary community for their dedication to creating a safe and collaborative learning environment. This certification is a testament to their hard work and commitment to student success."

Mrs. Boelter also acknowledged the instrumental work of retired elementary principal Kristin Dresler, who initiated and led the process. "We owe a great deal of gratitude to Kristin Dresler for laying the groundwork for this achievement. Her leadership was pivotal in guiding us to this point, and we are building on the strong foundation she established."

In addition, Mrs. Boelter extended a special thank you to the committee members who worked alongside her and Mrs. Dresler in this process: Rachel Dunlavy, Michelle Hardebeck, Angie Michelson, Michaele Stoeberl, Tiffany Tollers, and Paula Ulicsni. Their dedication and collaboration were essential in achieving this milestone.

Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams also praised the efforts of the Kennedy team, stating, "I am immensely proud of the work done by Principal Dresler, Principal Boelter, and the entire Kennedy Elementary team in prioritizing a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture. Their dedication to this foundational aspect of education is truly appreciated. Achieving Level 1 certification in the Marzano High Reliability Schools program is a testament to their unwavering commitment to student success and the diligent effort they put into the certification process. This accomplishment reflects the high standards we uphold across our district, and I am grateful for their leadership and hard work."

The HRS framework allows schools like Kennedy Elementary to make significant, lasting improvements in student achievement by integrating multiple initiatives into a cohesive system. Certification at each level is determined by Marzano Resources analysts, in collaboration with school data teams, ensuring that schools like Kennedy Elementary continue to meet high standards of excellence.




Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Willmar Public Schools Announces Filing Period for School Board Seats Has Closed


Willmar Public Schools is pleased to announce that the filing period to run for a seat on the school board has ended. Four seats were available in this election cycle, and four incumbents with expiring terms have filed for re-election. The incumbents who have stepped forward for consideration on the ballot include:
  • Tammy Barnes, Current Treasurer
  • Justin Bos, Current Chair
  • Mike Reynolds, Current Vice-Chair
  • Scott Thaden, Current Director
Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams expressed his gratitude for their commitment, stating, "We are grateful that people choose to serve our students, staff, families, and community through civic involvement. As a district, we couldn't be more proud of our incumbents for choosing to be considered for an additional four years."

Having only the four incumbents file for the available seats demonstrates the strong support and confidence our community has in their leadership and dedication. Their ongoing service ensures continuity and stability as Willmar Public Schools continues to strive for excellence in education. To learn more about the Board of Education, please visit the Willmar Public School website.