Today, as Governor Malloy recognized 97 schools of distinction in Connecticut, he proclaimed that “this idea of ever-improving achievement is what made America great.” These schools of distinction were celebrated today in three categories: (1) schools demonstrating high performance for groups of students who have historically struggled in Connecticut’s public education system (Black, Hispanic, and low-income students, students with disabilities, and English Language Learners); (2) schools demonstrating high levels of student progress from 2011-2012; and (3) schools demonstrating overall high student performance.
The principals and superintendents in the room this morning know that achieving recognition in any of these areas is no small accomplishment. Governor Malloy acknowledged these school leaders and various organizations in the room including leaders from the SDE, AFT, CEA, CABE and CCER, and reflected that, “recent successes were due to all forces pulling together with a new understanding where we accept no excuses for failing to raise achievement for all students in Connecticut.” According to a survey conducted by the State Department of Education, most of the schools of distinction cited school environment, application of curriculum and instruction, and use of data as the top three elements most responsible for driving their success. However, even in schools that otherwise excel, continuing challenges are effective use of time, and community and family engagement.
We applaud the courageous educators in the room, and the many others in the state who are striving to provide an exceptional educational experience to all learners in their communities. To quote an excerpt from an ancient Sanskrit poem –
Look well to this day
for it is life
the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
the realities and truths of existence,
the joy of growth
the splendor of action
and the glory of power.
We celebrate the tremendous potential of our young people. May they treasure their learning and find for themselves the joy of growth, the splendor of action, and the glory of power–the power of self-agency brought forth by an excellent education, the strongest platform from which they may chart a course for their futures.
Sincerely,
Rae Ann Knopf, Executive Director
Schools of Distinction: Highest Performing by Subgroup (19) |
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Bethel High School, Bethel School District (Hispanic Subgroup) |
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W.F. Kaynor, Connecticut Technical High School System (Black Subgroup) |
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Elm City College Preparatory, Elm City College Preparatory (Black Subgroup) |
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Irving Robbins Middle School, Farmington School District (Hispanic Subgroup) |
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Kelly Lane Intermediate School, Granby School District (Students with Disabilities) |
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Greenwich High School, Greenwich School District (ELL Subgroup) |
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Eastern Middle School, Greenwich School District (ELL Subgroup) |
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Guilford High School, Guilford School District (Low-income Subgroup) |
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Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School, Madison School District (Low-income Subgroup) |
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Daniel Hand High School, Madison School District (Students with Disabilities) |
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House of Arts Letters & Science Academy, New Britain School District (Black Subgroup) |
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House of Arts Letters & Science Academy, New Britain School District (Low-income Subgroup) |
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Newtown Middle School, Newtown School District (Hispanic Subgroup) |
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Newtown High School , Newtown School District (Hispanic Subgroup) |
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John Read Middle School, Redding School District (Students with Disabilities ) |
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Ridgefield High School Ridgefield School District (Low-income Subgroup) |
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Hillcrest Middle School, Trumbull School District (ELL Subgroup) |
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Clark Lane Middle School, Waterford School District (Black Subgroup) |
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Wilton High School, Wilton School District (Students with Disabilities) |
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Schools of Distinction: Highest Progress for Schools (32) |
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Achievement First Bridgeport Academy, Bridgeport Achievement First District |
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Classical Studies Academy, Bridgeport School District |
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CREC Medical Professions and Teacher Preparation Academy, Capitol Region Education Council |
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Colebrook Consolidated School, Colebrook School District |
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Crystal Lake School, Ellington School District |
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Union School, Farmington School District |
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West District School, Farmington School District |
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Old Greenwich School, Greenwich School District |
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Calvin Leete School, Guilford School District |
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Capital Preparatory Magnet School, Hartford School District |
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Kinsella Magnet School of the Performing Arts, Hartford School District |
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Center School, Litchfield School District |
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Waddell School, Manchester School District |
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Annie E. Vinton School , Mansfield School District |
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Casimir Pulaski School, Meriden School District |
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Snow School, Middletown School District |
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Nathan Hale School, New London School District |
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Hill and Plain School, New Milford School District |
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Northville Elementary School, New Milford School District |
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Elizabeth Green School, Newington School District |
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Middle Gate Elementary School, Newtown School District |
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Putnam Elementary School, Putnam School District |
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Warren Elementary School, Regional School District 06 |
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Ridgebury Elementary School, Ridgefield School District |
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Mary R. Tisko School, School District |
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Hart School, Stamford School District |
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Springdale School, Stamford School District |
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Thomaston High School, Thomaston School District |
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Wendell L. Cross School, Waterbury School District |
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Washington School, West Haven School District |
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Daisy Ingraham School, Westbrook School District |
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Alcott School, Wolcott School District |
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Schools of Distinction: Highest Performing Schools (46) |
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Thompson Brook School, Avon School District |
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Middlesex Middle School, Darien School District |
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Niantic Center School, East Lyme School District |
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Helen Keller Middle School, Easton School District |
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Windermere Intermediate School, Ellington School District |
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Sherman School, Fairfield School District |
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Irving A. Robbins Middle School, Farmington School District |
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Union School, Farmington School District |
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Franklin Elementary School, Franklin School District |
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Hebron Avenue School, Glastonbury School District |
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Kelly Lane Intermediate School , Granby School District |
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Eastern Middle School, Greenwich School District |
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International School at Dundee, Greenwich School District |
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North Street School, Greenwich School District |
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Old Greenwich School, Greenwich School District |
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Riverside School, Greenwich School District |
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Calvin Leete School, Guilford School District |
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E. C. Adams Middle School, Guilford School District |
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Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut, LEARN |
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Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School, Madison School District |
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Island Avenue Elementary School, Madison School District |
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Walter C. Polson Upper Middle School, Madison School District |
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Monroe Elementary School, Monroe School District |
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House of Arts Letters & Science Academy, New Britain School District |
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Saxe Middle School, New Canaan School District |
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West School, New Canaan School District |
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Ann Antolini School, New Hartford School District |
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Middle Gate Elementary School, Newtown School District |
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Newtown Middle School, Newtown School District |
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Reed Intermediate School, Newtown School District |
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John Read Middle School, Redding School District |
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Wamogo Regional High School, Regional School District 06 |
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Booth Free School, Regional School District 12 |
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Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, Regional School District 17 |
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Lyme Consolidated School, Regional School District 18 |
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Branchville Elementary School, Ridgefield School District |
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East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield School District |
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Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District |
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Scotland Elementary School, Ridgefield School District |
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Scotts Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield School District |
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Henry James Memorial School, Simsbury School District |
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Tariffville School, Simsbury School District |
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Hillcrest Middle School, Trumbull School District |
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Madison Middle School, Trumbull School District |
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Bugbee School, West Hartford School District |
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Alcott School, Wolcott School District |
