Mt. Pulaski Grade School receives exemplary designation from state board
Grade school among the top 10 percent of all Illinois schools

 

[November 07, 2023] 

Mt. Pulaski Grade School has earned an Exemplary Designation from the Illinois State Board of Education based on the school’s performance during the 2022-23 school year. In order to earn a designation of Exemplary, a school must exhibit test scores in the top 10 percent of the state and have no underperforming student groups.

The grade school has improved scores on the Illinois Assessment Readiness exam during each of the last three years, doubling the percentage of language arts students meeting and exceeding while also improving students meeting and exceeding in math by 14 percent.

Mt. Pulaski Grade School is one of four grade schools out of 98 in a five-county region (Logan, Sangamon, Macon, Dewitt and Menard) and the only school in Logan County to receive the designation of Exemplary. Other grade schools included Maroa-Forysth,
Tri-City and Williamsville. MPGS has previously had a designation of Commendable during the last five school years.

When MPGS Principal Mrs. Danielle Lora was asked what she would attest the improvement to, she stated “This is a result of the hard work of the students and teachers during the last four years! Our grade school teachers have spent a great deal of time revamping the English/Language Arts and Math curriculum. While we didn’t expect to see this designation, we weren’t surprised by receiving the distinction. We have worked very hard to improve our instructional strategies and focus on student improvement. We are very proud!”

Mt. Pulaski High School received one rating below Exemplary, a Commendable designation. MPHS has held the Commendable Designation for each of the last six school years. When comparing the Toppers to public high schools in a five county region, MPHS is in the top 10 of all schools with average 2023 SAT scores, ranking 9th out of 26 high schools. Other schools in the top ten include Hartsburg-Emden, Mt. Zion, Glenwood, Maroa-Forsyth, Williamsville, Pleasant Plains, Rochester, New Berlin and Athens.

The MPHS staff has devoted a good portion of their yearly professional development to focus on expanding instructional strategies and improving the high school curriculum through the growth of dual credit classes. Mrs. Fricke reports that the high school now hosts 8 different dual credit classes that allow students to earn college credit through their coursework at the high school. Students who take full advantage of the dual credit classes could leave high school with nearly two semesters of college credit under their belts. Five years ago, Mt. Pulaski offered just three dual credit classes. This is a credit to collaboration amongst administration, teachers, and counselors with local colleges to achieve the needed accreditation to offer the course work.

While many strategies and efforts must come together to allow such improvements in our school district, Superintendent Lamkey points out the effort of both schools in implementing School Improvement Planning has made it all possible. He goes on to say, “The support the district has received in the Strategic Planning Process has offered the necessary guidance for our schools to create School Improvement Plans that meet not only the needs of the students, but also those of the community. We are seeking to Inspire, Engage and Empower our students for their future successes!”

[Sarah Farris]