Independence Elementary School in Big Lake is one of only a handful of schools selected by the Minnesota Dept. of Education as a Celebration school for their outstanding achievements. “More than 100 Celebration eligible schools applied for this distinction. Your selection is a direct reflection of the gains your school has made and the tireless efforts you and your staff have directed toward improving outcomes for your students,” said Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Education Commissioner in a letter to Principal Timothy Schochenmaier. Schools are selected by the Dept. of Education based on a multiple measurement rating which looks at the focus of education to make sure the needs of all students are being met, student growth over the course of the year and student proficiency in subjects taught. “About two years ago we had a paradigm shift from teaching students to asking what are the students leaning,” Mr. Schochenmaier said. “During our B hour, anyone who is below grade average gets extra help. Those who are where they are expected to be get the day’s lessons. Those who have already mastered the subject get additional enrichment.” Class goals are posted on the board at the beginning of every lesson, stating what the objective is. “Being clear sets the stage for learning. It’s all about having high expectations, in all areas, not just school. It’s in the community and at home too,” Principal Schochenmaier said. “In everything we do here, we follow the principles of the districts’ strategic direction to align our efforts.” MCA and MMR testing the students have completed shows the strengths of their gains in math and reading skills. Those gains are largely what won the award. “I hope people can draw pride from this,” Principal Schochenmaier said. “This is not just one teacher or just one class. It’s everyone, the school district and the whole community.” “This signifies the outstanding efforts being made and goals attained across the entire district, including all of you at all of our schools,” said Supt. Jonathan Miller, who attended the annual Minnesota School Board Association Leadership Conference in Minneapolis this week. At the general session all Celebration and Reward Schools were recognized as the results were rolled-out for the first time. Around 500 attended the event, board members and superintendents. “Those of us from school districts with schools that received this award were asked to stand and be recognized for this outstanding accomplishment,” Supt. Miller said. “I cannot express the great pride I felt as I was able to stand, representing the dedication and selfless efforts of all my staff as you do this work for our children. With great humility and the utmost respect, I was truly honored to do so on their behalf,” he said. “As a former teacher, principal and superintendent, I appreciate and applaud the dedication educators devote to ensuring success for the students they serve. It takes focus and commitment to put systems and strategies in place that yield the kind of results your school has shown,” Dr. Cassellius said. “You and your entire team deserve sincere congratulations for this outstanding accomplishment,” she said. Principal Schochenmaier now has his eyes set on becoming a Reward school. “It’s very competitive but I know our kids can do it,” he said. “You have to perform. This is something the whole community can share