Platteville Middle School is one of eight Wisconsin schools, and one of two Wisconsin middle schools, to be nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
The program recognizes overall academic excellence or progress in improving student achievement.
The nomination was made by state superintendent of public instruction Tony Evers. Also nominated were Endeavor Elementary School in the Portage Community School District, Howard Elementary School in the Howard–Suamico School District, Lake Shore Middle School in the Mequon–Thiensville School District, Magee Elementary School in Two Rivers, Sevastopol High School, and Washburn High School.
“I can’t express to you how proud I am of the staff and students in the Platteville Middle School,” said PMS principal Jason Julius. “The staff is a very dedicated group of professionals always trying to improve their teaching to better meet the needs of our students. I think this nomination reflects their efforts.”
“The community can be very proud of the accomplishments of our students and staff in Platteville Public Schools,” said school district superintendent Connie Valenza. “Our outstanding school report card scores, the designation this fall of Westview as a School of High Progress by DPI, and nomination of Platteville Middle School as a National Blue Ribbon School affirms the hard work that goes on in our schools everyday, as well as the outstanding education our students receive.”
PMS had the fifth highest grade among Southwest Wisconsin schools in the 2013–14 DPI report cards. PMS was the highest graded middle school in Southwest Wisconsin. Platteville Public Schools had three of the top six highest graded schools in Southwest Wisconsin, with Westview Elementary School third and Platteville High School sixth.
“The students, educators, families, and communities that make up the schools nominated for this recognition program consistently strive for and work hard to attain exemplary achievement,” said Evers. “This commitment is foundational to student success in their schools.”
Schools nominated to the program must complete the Blue Ribbon Schools application and undergo the national review process. Awards, presented to “Exemplary High Performing” and “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” schools, are typically announced in early September.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 7,500 of America’s schools since it began in 1982. Selection criteria for this year’s program require that schools have at least 100 students and be open for at least five years. Additionally, schools must have met annual measurable objectives for the 2012–13 and 2013–14 school years.
