Corsica-Stickney Elementary School and Mount Vernon Middle School have been recognized among the state’s best.
They were distinguished as South Dakota Blue Ribbon schools on Friday morning, as announced by the state Department of Education. This is the fourth time Corsica-Stickney Elementary School has received the honor, while this is the first Blue Ribbon honor for Mount Vernon Middle School.
ADVERTISEMENT
South Dakota Blue Ribbon schools are selected based on data that show success in English Language Arts and math. Elementary and middle schools must show strong attendance rates.
“It’s a tremendous recognition for our school, our students and our staff,” said Mount Vernon Superintendent Steve Schumacher, who is in his third year as the top official for the district.
Schumacher said he’s known about the honor for about two weeks, and that “it’s been hard to keep this in.” He said the school’s strong test scores were among the reasons for the distinction.
The Department of Education also noted Mount Vernon’s prioritization of relationships and communication with families.
“Utilizing interim assessments and other key data from their school, they proactively target and address the content that individual students need extra assistance with, contributing to their success,” the Department of Education said.
Corsica-Stickney, which consolidated in 2015-16, has placed greater emphasis on literacy through “the Science of Reading” principles, according to the Department of Education.
“Through close collaboration, educators work together to implement interventions at all grade levels to ensure their students receive the targeted support they need,” the department said in a press release.
ADVERTISEMENT
Scott Muckey, superintendent for Corsica-Stickney, said “getting recognition for the hard work is always quite nice,” and that receiving the honor multiple times does not diminish earning the Blue Ribbon title again.
“It’s something that’s a center of pride in your school district that your academics — you always have your activities — are still a high priority, and that academics is what you focus on,” he said.
Two other South Dakota schools were recognized as state Blue Ribbon honorees, including O’Gorman High School and Tea Area’s Legacy Elementary School.
“These schools have made significant strides in ensuring they match the needs of their students,” said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “It is my privilege to recognize the exemplary efforts they are all making to ensure South Dakota students are receiving enhanced learning to achieve great success.”