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Leadership
Page 26 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Wisconsin Honors Eight Schools for Excellence and Achievement

Shiocton Elementary School (School Crivitz High School (Crivitz School
District of Shiocton) District)
Gap Closing: In a small Gap Closing: Offering
district “where excellence is challenging academics and
expected,” Shiocton Elemen- rich extracurriculars, Crivitz
tary focuses on the whole child High School combines com-
— academically, socially, and munity partnerships with a
emotionally — to prepare learners for future caring staff to prepare stu-
success. dents for college, career, and life.

www.shiocton.k12.wi.us chs.crivitz.k12.wi.us
The Wisconsin Department of Public educators,” the State Superintendent said.
Instruction today recognized eight schools “These schools have shown remarkable
across the state for exceptional academic results and a strong commitment to helping
performance and success in closing achieve- every child succeed.” T .J . Walker Middle School (Sturgeon St . Croix Falls Elementary
ment gaps. National Blue Ribbon Schools are Bay Schools) School (St . Croix Falls
The recognition comes after the honored in two categories: Exemplary High Performing School District)
U.S. Department of Education ended the High Performing Schools and Exemplary and Gap Closing: T.J. High Performing: St. Croix
National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, Gap Closing Schools. Wisconsin’s 2025 Walker Middle emphasizes Elementary School provides a
which had been in place since 1982, last honorees represent a diverse mix of urban, strong teaching, community supportive, student-centered learning envi-
year. These Wisconsin schools had already suburban, and rural communities. engagement, and continu- ronment focused on academic excellence,
been nominated and completed the rigorous Congratulations to these Blue Ribbon ous improvement to support every student, character, and growth for every child.
application process when the program was schools, their staffs and students! every day.
abruptly terminated.
“We’re proud to continue celebrating
the hard work of Wisconsin’s students and www.scf.k12.wi.us
www.sturbay.k12.wi.us

Edgewood Elementary School (School Karcher Middle School (Burlington Courtesy of the WI DPI
District of Greenfield) Area School District)
Gap Closing: A wel- Gap Closing: Karcher
coming neighborhood school empowers students to Elmbrook Music Teacher Receives
focused on both academics become confident, caring,
and emotional well-being, and capable learners, while Prestigious Recognition
Edgewood builds strong ensuring every staff member
family partnerships and pro- and family plays a role in student success. School District of Elmbrook Agency at the Wisconsin
vides all students with the support they need State Music Educators Con-
to thrive. Civic Music MKE has
announced its 2026 Music ference in Madison.
karcher.basd.k12.wi.us Educator Awards, and Krista Since joining Elm-
Witak, Orchestra Teacher at brook, Krista has prepared
www.greefield.k12.wi.us Pilgrim Park Middle School, her ensembles for perfor-
has been named the Emerg- mances at the Beyond the
Forest Lane Community School
ing Music Educator of the Notes Festival in Wisconsin
(Montello School District) Year. Civic Music MKE Dells, facilitated district-
Prairie Lane Elementary School
Gap Closing: Forest annually recognizes out- wide 4th-12th grade string
(Kenosha Unified School District) Lane fosters a lifelong love standing music educators festival concerts, supported
High Performing: of learning through teamwork from the greater Milwaukee the creation of a Middle
Known for its culture of among staff, students, and area for their dedication, School Honors experience
kindness and collaboration, families in a positive, inclu- leadership, and impact on celebrating the Wisconsin
Prairie Lane helps students sive environment. students through music Arts Board’s 50th anniver-
think critically and solve instruction. sary, and founded a mixed
problems while proudly “This tremendous string ensemble club where
serving as the district’s elementary program recognition is greatly deserved,” said Jona- students explore alternative music styles such
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. montelloschools.org than Brooks, Elmbrook’s Music Coordinator. as folk and pop.
“Krista’s passion for music education, her Krista’s dedication to inspiring young
commitment to student growth, and her leader- musicians and expanding opportunities in
ship within our district are evident every day. string education has made a lasting impact on
www.kusd.edu She represents the very best of Elmbrook and students across the district.
the future of music education in our region.”
Krista is a proud Elmbrook educator who
teaches middle school orchestra alongside
fellow strings educator Alexis Ganos. This
year, she co-presented a session titled Build- elmbrookschools.org
ing a Culture of Learning Through Student