Franklin Elementary Named Gold Star School
Eight high-performing elementary schools have been honored as Missouri’s “Gold Star Schools” for 2011, state education officials announced today. And for the first time, Liberty Public Schools is represented on the elementary list, as Franklin Elementary has been included as one of the eight schools named.
“These eight exceptional elementary schools have met a high bar of excellence, and it is our honor to recognize them statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “This achievement is a credit to the students, parents and staff who have dedicated themselves to excellence in education.”
Established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1991, the Gold Star program is designed to identify schools that are performing at a high level academically or making exceptional progress while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students. The state application requires schools to provide evidence of their success in such areas as curriculum, instruction and school leadership.
“Becoming a Gold Star School is a tremendous achievement by the students, staff and parents at Franklin Elementary,” said Liberty Public Schools Superintendent Mike Brewer. “It takes a team effort and tremendous dedication to join this elite group of schools.”
Franklin Elementary becomes the first Liberty Public Schools elementary school to be named a “Gold Star School”. In addition, Franklin is the only elementary school in the Kansas City metropolitan area to be named to this prestigious list. A total of 1,526 schools from around the state were eligible to be named a "Gold Star School".
“The entire learning community of Franklin Elementary School is honored to receive recognition of this caliber,” said Franklin Elementary Principal Andy Wright. “To be named a Missouri Gold Star School is a proud accomplishment that validates the incredible work of our dedicated faculty, supportive families, and enthusiastic students.”
The other schools in the state receiving this honor include: Bakersfield Elementary School, Bakersfield R-IV School District, Bakersfield, MO; Center Elementary School, Ralls R-II School District, Center, MO; Crestwood Elementary School, Lindbergh School District, St. Louis, MO; Kirbyville Elementary School, Kirbyville R-VI School District; Ridge Meadows Elementary School, Rockwood R-VI School District, Ellisville, MO; Roosevelt Elementary School, Farmington School District, Farmington, MO; and W.W. Keysor Elementary School, Kirkwood R-VII School District, Kirkwood, MO.
Recipients of the state’s Gold Star program may be eligible for the national Blue Ribbon award pending results of this year’s state assessments. Blue Ribbon recognition will be announced this fall by the U.S. Department of Education.
