“Where Community Meets Classroom The Blueprint for Educational Excellence.”
DearReaders,
Whatmakesaschoolsystemtrulyexceptional?Itisnotsimplythegleamofnewfacilitiesorthesize ofitsstudentbody.Instead,itistheunwaveringcommitmenttostudentgrowth,thecourageto innovatethroughchallenges,andthedeeprootsplantedwithinthelocalcommunity.Inthismonth's issue,“The10MostAdmiredSchoolDistricts,”weexploretheinspiringsystemsanddedicated leaderswhoareredefiningwhatitmeanstoeducatethewholechild.Inarapidlychangingworld, theseinstitutionsprovethatwhethersituatedinabustlingcityorataquietruralcrossroad, purposefuleducationhasthepowertotransformbothstudentsandtheneighborhoodsthatsupport them.Theyremindusthateducationisacollectiveeffort,builtontrust,resilience,andashared visionforabettertomorrow.
OurcoverstoryhighlightstheremarkableandsteadyjourneyofthePawneeIndependentSchool District.SituatedinruralSouthTexas,Pawneeprovesthatscaledoesnotlimitambition.Guidedby aclearmissionandadeepconnectiontoitstown,thedistricthasrevitalizeditseducational landscape,movingfroma“C”toasustained“B”ratingthroughdisciplinedplanning.Mostnotably, Pawneehasreestablisheditshighschoolprogramandissettocelebrateitsfirstgraduatingsenior classinoverfourdecadesin2026.Ratherthanrelyingontraditionalmethodsalone,Pawnee immersesitsstudentsinhands-on,purpose-drivenlearning.Fromathrivingagricultureprogramthat plantedoverninethousandstrawberryplantsthisyeartoaninnovativeEquineAssistedLearningand Therapyprogram,thefocusisalwaysonpracticalskillsandemotionalwell-being.Byofferingearly collegepathwaysandindustrycertificationsinfieldslikeIndustrialMechanicsandWelding,Pawnee ensuresthateverystudentisequippedforasuccessfullifebeyondgraduation.
WhileourcoverstoryfocusesontheheartofTexas,excellenceineducationknowsnoborders. AlongsidePawnee,wealsocelebrateadiversegroupofeducationalleaderswhosharethissame dedicationtostudentempowermentandcommunitypartnership.Thismonth,weproudlyrecognize theoutstandingachievements,inclusivecultures,andforward-thinkinginitiativesatNewportNews PublicSchools,KingstonCommunitySchoolDistrict,Perkins-TryonPublicSchools,and GlenbrookHighSchoolDistrict225.
Sincerely,
TheEducationMagazineispublishedbyPericlesVenturesPvt Ltd.Thismagazinecontainsmaterialprotectedunder InternationalandFederalCopyrightLawsandTreaties.You maynotpublish,display,disclose,rent,lease,modify,loan, distribute,orcreatederivativeworksbasedonthemagazine contentsoranypartthereof,whetherbyyourselforasa consultant,employee,partnerorinanyotherroleunless authorisedinwritingbythecreator/publisherofthearticle/, video,audiooranycontentcontainedherein.We,theteamof TheEducationMagazineputalltheeffortstokeepupwiththe contentaccuracy Thepublisherassumesnoresponsibilityof anypartofthecontentofanyadvertisementinthispublication, includinganyerrorsoromissionstherein.Allrightsreserved byPericlesVenturesPvtLtd.
PAWNEE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROFILES
COVER STORY
PAWNEE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Pawnee,Texas,didnotemergefrom
grandplansorrapidgrowth.Ittook shapeslowly,guidedbynecessity andsustainedbythepeoplewhochoseto remain.SituatedattheintersectionofFarm Roads673and798innorthwesternBee County,abouttwenty-twomilesnorthwestof Beeville,Pawneedevelopedasapractical stopinanotherwiseopenstretchofSouth Texas.Itsname,accordingtolocalaccounts, camefromawoodenboardmarked “Pawnee,”fastenedtoatreetoorient travelersmovingthroughthearea.Thedetail ismodest,butfitting.Fromthebeginning, Pawneewasdefinedlessbyappearanceand morebyfunction.
Longbeforepermanentsettlement,theland carriedsignsofearliermovement. ArrowheadsdiscoveredalongSulphurCreek suggestthatPawneeIndiansoncepassed throughorusedthearea,leavingquiteabitof evidenceofadeeperhistory.Bythelate nineteenthcentury,thathistorygavewayto homesteadsandfamiliesseekingstability.In 1890,FredHoffandhisfamilysettledonland purchasedfromtheLottranch,afewmiles southwestofwhatwouldbecomethetown center.Othersfollowed,includingD.C. Benhamin1900,andPawneebegantogrow, notoutward,butinward.
Thetown’searlydevelopmentreflecteda clearsetofpriorities.In1910,residentsbuilt aone-roomschoolhousethatopeneditsdoors tothirteenstudents.Itwasasmallnumber, butthedecisioncarriedweight.Education wasnotpostponeduntilthetownwaslarger ormoreestablished.Itwasbuiltearly, alongsidethefirststoreopenedbyM.Carson aroundthesametime,givingPawneebotha placetolearnandaplacetogather.
FromthesebeginningsemergedPawnee IndependentSchoolDistrict,aninstitution shapedbythesamesteadyresolvethat definedthetownitself.Thedistrict’sidentity isinseparablefromPawnee’shistory.It reflectsacommunitythatvaluescontinuity, responsibility,andthebeliefthateducationis notanaccessorytogrowth,butitsfoundation.
Purpose,Principles,andProgress
AtthecenterofPawneeIndependentSchoolDistrictisa clearsenseofpurposeshapedbythesameperseverancethat haslongdefinedthetownitserves.Thedistrict’smissionis capturedinasimplebutdeliberateframeworkbuiltaround thewordPAWNEE.Itbeginswithacommitmentto positivelyimpactthedestinyofstudentsandthebroader community,followedbyanexpectationtoaimhigh,work hard,andpersistevenwhenprogressfeelsslow.Justas importantistheemphasisonencouragementandlifelong learning,valuesthatextendbeyondclassroomsandintodaily interactions.
Thatmissionisreinforcedbyaforward-lookingvision. PawneeISDseesitselfasadestinationforfutureleaders,a placewhereopportunity,excellence,andinnovationguide rigorouslearning.Thedistrictstrivestocreatean environmentwherestudentsandstafflearn,lead,andsucceed everyday,adaptingtoanever-changingworldwithoutlosing sightoflocalroots.Itisavisiongroundedinpreparation,not prediction,focusedonequippingstudentswiththeskillsand confidenceneededforlifebeyondgraduation.
Thedistrict’svaluesreflectabeliefthatopportunityshould bepersonalandinclusive.PawneeISDholdsthatevery studentandstaffmemberdeservesthechancetopursue individualgoalsthroughawell-roundededucation. Innovationprogramsandproject-basedlearningplayakey roleinthisapproach,supportingengagementwhile maintaininghighexpectations.Excellenceisnotreservedfor aselectfewbutpursuedacrossclassrooms,programs,and roles.
Toturnbeliefintoaction,theBoardofTrusteeshasadopted clearperformancegoals.Theseincludeexceedingstateand federalstandardsthroughabalancedcurriculum,offering innovativeinstructionalprogramsthatpreparestudentsfor post-secondarypaths,andmaintainingasafe,drug-free learningenvironment.Equalattentionisgiventothe responsibleuseofresourcesandtherecruitmentandretention ofdedicated,highlyqualifiedstaff.
ThisfocusonsteadyimprovementmirrorsPawnee’sbroader history.Fromitsagriculturalbeginningsandearlybusinesses tothecompletionofanewschoolfacilityin2009,thetown hasevolvedwhileremainingsmallandclose-knit.Through populationshiftsandeconomicchange,educationhas remainedconstant.PawneeISDcontinuestoserveasbotha reflectionofthecommunity’spastandapracticalinvestment initsfuture.
ExpandingOpportunitythroughEducation
Today,PawneeISDstandsinthemidstofoneofthe mostsignificantchaptersinitsmodernhistory The districtcurrentlyservesstudentsfromPre-Kthrough twelfthgrade,withthereestablishmentofitshighschool programin2022markingaturningpointnotseenin decades.Forthefirsttimesince1985,PawneeISDwill graduateaseniorclassin2026.Thoughsmallinnumber, justfivestudents,theimpactofthismilestoneextends farbeyondenrollmentfigures.
Theachievementsofthisinauguralgraduatingclass reflectthedistrict’semphasisonmeaningfulpreparation. Twoseniorsareontracktocompletehighschoolwithan associate’sdegree,whiletwootherswillgraduatewith collegecourseworknearlycomplete.Theseoutcomes speaktothedistrict’sEarlyCollegeHighSchool designationanditsbeliefthatadvancedopportunities shouldbeaccessible,eveninasmallruralsetting.
AcademicgrowthatPawneeISDiscloselytiedto hands-onlearning.Studentscanpursuepathwaysin IndustrialMechanics,Welding,andAgriculture, programsdesignedtobuildpracticalskillsalongside classroominstruction.Agriculture,inparticular,has becomeadefiningstrength.
Fromkindergartenthroughtwelfthgrade,studentstakepart ingreenhouseproductionandlarge-scaleplantingprojects. Duringthecurrentyearalone,morethanninethousand strawberryplantswereestablishedinthefield,turning courseworkintolivedexperience.
Thedistrictalsooffersoneofthemostdistinctiveprograms inthestate:anEquineAssistedLearningandTherapy program.Thisinitiativeblendsemotionaldevelopment, responsibility,andexperientiallearning,reinforcingthe district’sbroadercommitmenttoeducatingthewhole student.
Leadershiphasplayedacentralroleinthisprogress.With thereturnofhighschoolgrades,thePawneeISDSchool Boardreaffirmedthedistrict’smission,vision,values,and goals,aligninggovernancewithlong-termstudentsuccess. Workingalongsidedistrictleadership,includingthe superintendent,theboardhascommittedtoexpanding opportunitywhilepreservingtheclose-knitculturethat definesPawnee.
Inreestablishingitshighschoolandbroadeningits programs,PawneeISDhasnotsimplyrevivedthepast.It hasreshapeditsfuture,provingthatscaledoesnotlimit ambition,andthatpurposefuleducationcanthriveinany communitywillingtoinvestinitsstudents.
COVER STORY
Leadership,Accountability,andStrategicPartnerships
Strongleadershiphasbeenadefiningfactorinthedistrict’s recentprogress.UnderthedirectionofPrincipalDulceAnnis andAssistantPrincipalMarkBaker,theschooldistricthas movedwithfocusandintention.Theadministrationinheriteda districtthathadbeenratedinthelow“C”rangeandguidedit toasustained“B”rating,ashiftdrivenbyconsistencyrather thanquickfixes.Theemphasishasremainedonbuilding systemsthatsupportlong-termstudentsuccessinsteadof short-termgains.
AcademicimprovementatPawneeISDiscloselytiedto clarityofpurpose.Districtleadershiphasworkedtoshapean educationalprogramthatoffersstudentsrealoutcomesupon graduation.Thegoalisnotsimplytoearnadiploma,butto leavehighschoolpreparedwitheitheranassociate’sdegree, anindustry-basedcertification,orboth.Thisapproachreflects anunderstandingoftherealitiesstudentsfaceaftergraduation andacommitmenttomeetingthemwithpractical,achievable pathways.
Classroominstructionissupportedbycarefulalignmentwith standardsandexpectationssetbytheTexasEducationAgency. Curriculumdecisionsareguidedbyaccountability,data,and anawarenessofhowearlyacademicfoundationsinfluence lateroutcomes.Teachersaresupportedwithclearinstructional frameworksandleadershipthatvaluesbothstructureand professionaljudgment.
Oneofthedistrict’smoredistinctiveeffortsextendsbeyondits owncampuses.PawneeISDhasformedpartnershipswith severaldaycarecentersandearlylearningacademiesacross thestate.Throughthesecollaborations,thedistrictprovides guidanceondeliveringstructured,TEA-approved curriculumattheearlieststagesofeducation.Thiswork reflectsabroaderviewofstudentdevelopment,onethat recognizeslearningdoesnotbeginatkindergarten,butmuch earlier.
Thesepartnershipsalsostrengthencontinuityforfamiliesand students,helpingalignexpectationsbeforechildreneverenter aPawneeISDclassroom.Byinvestinginearlylearningand maintaininghighstandardsthroughoutthegradelevels,the districtreinforcesacultureofreadinessandconsistency
Throughsteadyleadership,academicaccountability,and forward-lookingpartnerships,PawneeISDcontinuesto strengthenitseducationalfoundation.Theprogressachieved sofarreflectsdisciplinedplanningandabeliefthatmeaningful improvementisbuiltonedeliberatestepatatime.
AWhole-StudentApproachtoLearningandGrowth
EducationalexcellenceatPawneeISDisgroundedinthe beliefthatstudentslearnbestwhenlearningfeelspurposeful andpersonal.Acrossgradelevels,theadministration, teachers,andstaffemphasizeproject-basedlearningasacore instructionalapproach.Lessonsaredesignedtomovebeyond textbooks,givingstudentsopportunitiestoapplyknowledge, solveproblems,andseetherelevanceoftheirworkinrealworldsettings.Academicrigorispairedwithaccess,ensuring studentsareexposedtoasmanyeducationalpathwaysas possible.
Thedistrict’sphilosophyextendsbeyondacademics.Pawnee ISDrecognizesthatstudentsuccessdependsonmeeting social,emotional,andbasiclifeneedsalongsideclassroom instruction.Whenstudentsfeelsupported,theyarebetter positionedtolearn.Thisbeliefisreflectedinprogramsthat focusonconfidence,resilience,andemotionalwell-being. Amongthemostimpactfulisthedistrict’sEquineAssisted Learningprogram.Throughstructuredworkwithhorses, studentsdevelopcopingskills,responsibility,andselfawareness.Overtime,thisprogramhasreshapedtheschool’s culture,fosteringcalmerlearningenvironmentsandstronger relationshipsamongstudentsandstaff.
Equityremainsaguidingprinciple.PawneeISDiscommitted toprovidingawell-roundededucationalexperienceforevery student,regardlessofsocioeconomicstatus,race,ordisability Toensurenostudentisoverlooked,campusleadershiphas implementedaMulti-TieredSystemofSupports.This frameworkidentifieslearninggapsearlyanddeliverstargeted academicandbehavioralinterventions,allowingstaffto respondwithprecisionratherthanassumption.
Studentengagementalsoextendsbeyondtheclassroom. PawneeISDhasofficiallyjoinedtheUniversity InterscholasticLeague,openingthedoorforcompetitive athletics.Studentsnowparticipateinsix-manfootball, basketball,volleyball,golf,tennis,track,andpowerlifting. Theseprogramsreinforceteamwork,discipline,and sportsmanshipwhilestrengtheningschoolpride.
Aftertheschooldayends,learningcontinuesthrougharobust ACEafter-schoolprogramthatblendsacademic reinforcementwithrecreationalactivities.Lookingahead,the districtenvisionsservingasamodelforotherruralschool systemsseekingbalancedapproachestoeducationand studentwellness.Futureplansincludedevelopingadult educationprogramstofurtherstrengthencommunitytiesand extendlearningbeyondtheclassroomwalls.
P-Positivelyimpactthedestinyofour studentsandcommunity.
A-Achievetheimpossible!
W-Workhard.
N-Nevergiveup!
E-Encouragethosearoundyou!
E-Engageinlifelonglearning.
“Pawnee ISD believes every student and staff member should be given the opportunity to pursue their individual dreams by receiving a well-rounded education.”
CommunityattheCore
InPawnee,theschooldistricthasalwayscarriedarole largerthaninstructionalone.ForPawneeISD,the superintendent’sviewisclearandconsistent.The schoolsystemsitsatthecenterofcommunitylife,not asasymbol,butasaworkingpresenceintheeveryday rhythmofthetown.
Thisbeliefcomesfromlivedexperienceratherthan theory.Inaruralcommunity,schoolsoftenbecomethe placewherepeoplegather,exchangeideas,andfind stability Thesuperintendentholdsthateducation shapesnotonlystudents,butfamiliesasawhole.When learningopportunitiesarepresentandaccessible,they influencehowfamiliesplantheirfutures,howyoung peopleseetheiroptions,andhowacommunitysustains itselfovertime.
Theoften-quotedideathatittakesavillagetoraisea childistreatedseriouslyinPawnee.Itisunderstoodas sharedresponsibilityratherthansentiment.Progressis measuredthroughrelationships,trust,andwillingness tosupportoneanother.Astudent’ssuccessreflectsthe effortofteacherswhoremaininvested,familieswho stayengaged,andacommunitythatpaysattention. Achievement,inthiscontext,israrelyindividual.Itis collectiveandvisibleinsmall,steadyways.
Thisperspectiveshapeshowleadershipthinksabout opportunity.Educationisnotconfinedtochildhoodor graduationmilestones.Itremainsopen-ended,meantto servestudentstodayandcommunitymembersatevery stageoflife.Conversationsaroundadultlearning, careeradvancement,andcommunityengagementstem fromthebeliefthateducationcontinueslongaftera diplomaisearned.
PawneeISDoperateswithanunderstandingthat schoolsinfluencequalityoflife.Thedistrict'srole extendsintohowpeopleconnectwithoneanother,how goalsareshared,andhowprogressissustained.The superintendentviewssuccessassomethingpeople buildtogether,oftenquietly,throughconsistencyand care.
InPawnee,theschooldistrictdoesnotstandapartfrom thecommunity.Itreflectsit.Theworkisrootedin cooperation,mutualrespect,andthebeliefthatwhen peoplehelponeanothermoveforward,theentire communityadvanceswiththem.
GLENBROOK High School District 225
The ‘Ferris Bueller’School That Became a National Powerhouse
TostandoutsideGlenbrook NorthHighSchoolistostand inaframeofcollective memory Youcanalmostseehim:Ferris Bueller,impossiblycool,convincinghis girlfriendSloanetoskipschoolfrom thepayphonenearthefrontsteps.The building,alongsweepofbrickand glass,isanicon,abackdropforthe cinematicangstandadventureof filmmakerJohnHughes,analumnus whouseditsexteriorsfor Ferris Bueller’s Day Off anditsinteriorsfor The Breakfast Club.Formillions,this schoolisShermer,Illinois—afictional suburbthatfeelsmorerealthanthe actualtownsofNorthbrookand Glenviewitserves.
ButthestoryofGlenbrookHighSchoolDistrict225isfarmore complexandimpressivethanitscelluloidfamesuggests.Thisisnot adistrictpreservedintheamberofthe1980s.Itisathriving, meticulouslymanagededucationalenterprise,atwo-school powerhousethatservesapproximately5,200studentsandfunctions asacasestudyinwhatapublicschooldistrictcanachievewith vision,relentlessinvestment,andoverwhelmingcommunitysupport. TheHollywoodnostalgiaisthehook;therealityisastoryof strategicevolution.AsSuperintendentDr.R.J.Gravelputsit,the districtisbuiltona“proudlegacyofexcellenceandaboldvisionfor thefuture,”amissiontoempowerstudentsto“grow,thrive,and contributemeaningfullytosociety.”
ATaleofTwoGlenbrooks
Thedistrict’sstorybeginswithasingleschoolandaclevername.In 1953,NorthfieldTownshipopenedGlenbrookHighSchool,its nameaneatportmanteauofthetwoprimarycommunitiesitserved: GlenviewandNorthbrook.Butasthesuburbsswelled,one buildingwasn’tenough.In1962,thedistrictcleavedintwo.The originalbuildingwasrenamedGlenbrookNorth(GBN),andanew campus,GlenbrookSouth(GBS),openedinGlenview Thus,the “Glenbrooks”wereborn—twodistinctschoolswiththeirown mascotsandidentities,yetboundtogetherunderthebannerof District225.
Today,theyaresiblinginstitutionsthatshareareputation forexcellence.Theypullfromanetworkoffeeder schools—WoodOaks,NorthbrookJuniorHigh,Attea, Springman,andportionsofFieldandMaple—channeling studentsintooneofthetwomaincampusesor,forthose withspecificneeds,intoGlenbrookOff-Campus(GBOC), atherapeuticdayschool.Thispipelinehasbecomeoneof themostsuccessfulinthecountry,atestamenttoa philosophythatmarriesrigorousacademicswithafocuson belongingandwell-being.
MoreThanJustaMovieSet
LongbeforeFerrisBuellertookhisdayoff,Glenbrookwas alreadyonthemap.Inthelate1950s,anationalmagazine namedthethen-fledglingschooloneofthetop44inthe country.In1984,PresidentRonaldReagan’sadministration bestoweduponGBNtheExcellenceinEducationAward.
Themostresonantendorsement,however,cameon January22,1997.PresidentBillClintonstoodintheGBN fieldhouse,nottotalkaboutmovies,butaboutmathand science.Localstudentsinthe“FirstintheWorld” consortiumhadjustbeatenglobalcompetitors,scoringfirst inscienceandthirdinmath.Clintonlaudedthedistrict’s ethos,ablendoflocalcontrolandhighambition.“You didn’tuseitasanexcusenottothrowyourhatinthering,” hepraised.“Iwouldstillbeheretopatyouontheback becauseyouhadthegutstodoit.”Lessthanamonthlater, hereferencedtheachievementagaininhis1997Stateof theUnionaddress.TheGlenbrookswerenolongerjusta backdrop;theywereanationalbenchmark.
TheBusinessofConstantImprovement
Thatbenchmarkismaintainedthroughaphilosophyof perpetualmotion.Awalkthrougheithercampusrevealsa districtthatneverstopsbuilding,renovating,andupgrading. It’sacorebusinessstrategy.AtGBN,a2006referendum fundedastate-of-the-artFitnessCenter,anexpandedmusic area,andasun-drenchedmainentrance,allcompletedby 2009.AtGBS,thepaceofimprovementhasbeendizzying, withmajorworkdonenearlyeveryfewyearssince2002 Renovationsin2024-2025aloneincludedrevampedparking lots,remodeledandnewall-genderbathrooms,andanew woodshopafterafire.
ThemodernGlenbrookclassroomisalessoninpedagogical design.Flexibleseatingenhancescollaboration.Dimmable lightingallowsstudentstoviewaprojectionscreenwhile takingnotes.
Massivewhiteboardsareusedforeverythingfromsolvingmath problemstopracticingChinesecharacters.EventheGBOC therapeuticschoolfeaturesaCrossFitgym,ensuringequitable accesstotop-tierequipment.Thisisn’tjustaboutshinynew facilities;it’saboutcreatingphysicalspacesthatactively supportthedistrict’seducationalgoals.
TheEnginesofAchievement
TheresultsoftheGlenbrookmodelareundeniable.GBNwas rankedthe48th-bestpublichighschoolintheUnitedStates byNichein2022.In2021,96%ofitsseniorsgraduated,with 98%enrollingincollege.Thatclassincluded14National MeritSemifinalists AtGBS,thestoryissimilar,withthe schoolconsistentlyrankedamongthebestinIllinois.
Nowhereisthedistrict’sdominancemoreapparentthaninitsdebateprogram.GBNwasrankedthetopdebateschoolofthe 20thcenturyand,in2004,becametheonlyprogramevertowinthe“TripleCrown,”sweepingthethreemajornational championships.GBShasitsowntroveofnationaldebatetitles.Thisintellectualrigorismirroredinthediversestudentbody. AtGBN(asof2021),thepopulationis71.4%White,17.9%Asian,and5.4%Hispanic,withalargeJewishcommunity thatledtheschooltoaddHebrewtoitslanguageofferings.AtGBS,42%ofstudentsarefromminoritygroups,including 18.1%Asianand11.3%Hispanic.ClubsliketheBlackStudentUnion,HellenicClub,andGenderSexualityAlliance (GSA)reflectthisvibrantculturaltapestry
AthleticsareanequalpartnerintheGlenbrookidentity.Theschoolshavewonastaggeringnumberofstatechampionships. GBNmadehistoryin2005bybecomingthefirstlarge-enrollmentschoolinIllinoistohavewonstatetitlesinfootball, basketball,andbaseball.Itsboys’tennisandhockeyteamsareperennialpowerhouses,anditsgirls’golfteamwon back-to-backstatechampionshipsin2023and2024.GBShascapturedstatetitlesingirls’basketball,boys’volleyball,and fieldhockey ThisistheculturethatproducedathleteslikeNBAcoachChrisCollins,MLBplayerJasonKipnis,andDuke basketballphenomandheadcoachJonScheyer,whose52pointsinaGBNgame—21oftheminthefinal75seconds—is thestuffoflocallegend.
ThisistherealstoryoftheGlenbrooks.It’saplacewhereapresidentialcitationhangsalongsideamovieposter,wherea world-classdebateteamsharesthespotlightwithastate-championfootballteam.Itisadistrictthatfaceddownascandaland emergedstronger,onethatinvestsinitsfutureasrelentlesslyasithonorsitspast.Fromasinglebuildingnamedfortwo towns,ithasbecomesomethingmore:anationalmodelforthepowerandpotentialofpubliceducation.
KINGSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Nurturing Lifelong Learners in Rural Michigan
We Inspire, We Educate, We Graduate—All Students, All of the Time.
IntheheartofruralMichigan,schoolshave
longservedasmorethanjustclassrooms. Theyhavebeengatheringplaces,reflections oflocalvalues,andsteppingstonesforyoung peoplepreparingtobuildtheirfutures.Kingston CommunitySchoolDistrictstandsfirmlyinthat tradition.Whatbeganasasmallschoolservingan agriculturalcommunityhasgrownintoadistrict shapedbyprogress,technology,andnew opportunities.
Today,Kingstoncarriesaclearmission:tocreatea safeandsupportiveplacewhereeverystudentcan thriveacademically,socially,andemotionally.Its visionreachesevenfurther,aimingtodevelop lifelonglearnerswhocanadapttoachanging world.Thisbalanceofhistory,innovation,and communitydefinesKingston’sstory.
AcademicProgramsThatGrowwithStudents
AtKingstonCommunitySchoolDistrict,learning buildsstepbystep,witheachstagedesignedto meetstudentswheretheyareandpreparethemfor whatcomesnext.Intheelementaryyears,children gainstrongfoundationsinreading,math,science, andsocialstudies.Technologyblendsintodaily lessons,whilemusic,physicaleducation,and hands-onSTEMprojectssparkcreativityand criticalthinking.
Bythetimestudentsmoveintojuniorhigh,the curriculumexpandstoincludeelectiveslike Spanish,STEM,andappliedtechnology.Atthe highschoollevel,opportunitiesmultiplywith AdvancedPlacementcourses,dual-enrollment partnerships,andcareer-focusedprogramsinareas suchasagriculture,healthsciences,andbusiness. EachpathwayreflectsKingston'sfocuson readinessforbothcollegeandcareers.
EnrollmentandCommunitySnapshot
KingstonCommunitySchoolsservesaclose-knit studentbodyofabout600to650learnersspread acrossitselementary,middle,andhighschool programs.Thedistrictalsoprovidesadaycare center,GreatStartReadinessProgramclassrooms, andayoungfivesoption,ensuringfamilieshave supportfromtheverybeginningofachild’s learningjourney.
Moststudentscomefromthesurroundingrural community,wherethepopulationislargelyWhite, yetdiversitycontinuestogrowyearbyyear.Around 56percentofstudentsqualifyforfreeorreducedpricemeals,thoughthedistrictensureseverychild receivesbreakfastandlunchatnocost.WithEnglish languagelearnersandspecialeducationstudentsin themix,Kingstonplacesstrongemphasison personalizedinstruction.
LeadershipwithaClearVision
GuidingKingstonCommunitySchoolsis SuperintendentShonaVennevy,whoseleadership reflectsbothvisionanddeepcommunity commitment.Shedescribesthedistrict’sapproach simplyyetpowerfully: “At Kingston Community Schools, we believe in developing creative minds, building leaders, fostering a love for community, and striving for excellence. We Inspire, we Educate, we Graduate all students, all of the time. Every child matters.”
Herfocusextendsbeyondacademics.Byworking closelywithfamiliesandcommunitypartners,she ensuresthateverystudenthasthesupportneededto succeednotjustintheclassroombutinlife.Under herdirection,Kingstoncontinuestogrowasadistrict wherecollaboration,care,andhighexpectationsgo handinhand.
MeetingEveryStudentWhereTheyAre
KingstonCommunitySchoolsunderstandsthatno twostudentslearninthesameway.Teachersuse differentiatedinstructiontoreachvisual,auditory,and hands-onlearners,makingsureeverychildhasa chancetoconnectwiththematerial.Forthosewho needextrasupport,targetedprogramsinreadingand mathprovidethefocusedattentionthatcanmakeall thedifference.
Thedistrictalsoplacesstrongemphasisoncultural responsiveness.Lessonsandclassroomconversations bringindiverseperspectives,helpingstudentssee valueineverybackgroundandexperience.Staff membersreceiveongoingtraininginequity,cultural awareness,andspecialeducationpractices.Together, theseeffortscreateanenvironmentwherestudents notonlysucceedacademicallybutalsogrowinto thoughtful,compassionateindividuals.
KINGSTON
ASchoolattheHeartoftheCommunity
ForKingstonCommunitySchools,servingfamilies goesfarbeyondtheclassroom.Thedistricthas becomeatruehubforthecommunity,offering programsandresourcesthatsupporteverydayneeds. Familiescanturntotheschoolsforhelpwithfood, clothing,andconnectionstolocalservices,ensuring thatnochildisleftwithoutessentialsupport.
Schoolfacilitiesalsoopentheirdoorsforcommunity use.Gyms,fields,andauditoriumsregularlyhost events,creatingasharedspaceforbothstudentsand neighbors.Inaddition,localresidentsareinvitedto volunteerandmentor,givingstudentspositiverole modelswhiledeepeningcommunityties.Through theseefforts,Kingstonstrengthensthesenseofpride andsharedresponsibilitythatdefinesthedistrict.
OpportunitiesbeyondtheClassroom
KingstonCommunitySchoolsbelievesthateducation continueslongafterthelastbellrings.Studentscan choosefromawidevarietyofextracurricular programsthatnurturetalents,buildconfidence,and encourageteamwork.Athleticsplayacentralrole, withteamscompetinginfootball,basketball, volleyball,baseball,softball,trackandfield,andcross country,withgolfsoontobeadded.
Clubsandorganizationsgivestudentsplentyof chancestoexploretheirinterests,fromroboticsand engineeringtoequestrianactivities,powerlifting,and leadershipthroughstudentcouncilorNationalHonor Society.Thefineartsalsoholdastrongplacein Kingston,withbandandvisualartsprograms providingcreativeoutlets.Together,these opportunitiesfosterresilience,collaboration,anda well-roundedstudentexperience.
LeadershipandTeamworkbehindtheScenes
ThesuccessofKingstonCommunitySchoolsisbuilt onaleadershipstructurethatvaluescollaborationand sharedresponsibility.Atthetop,thesuperintendent providesstrategicdirectionandensuresthedistrict staysfocusedonitsmission.Principalsguidethedaily lifeofeachbuilding,overseeinginstruction,student services,andcommunityengagement.
TheBoardofEducationplaysavitalroleinshaping policiesthatreflectthecommunity’svaluesand expectations.Alongsidethem,adedicatedsupport staffkeepsthedistrictrunningsmoothly.From administrativeassistantstobusdrivers,fromcooksto custodiansandparaprofessionals,everyrole contributestocreatingasafeandwelcoming environment.Together,thisnetworkofleadersand staffensuresKingstonremainsstrongandcohesive.
ACommitmenttoDiversityandBelonging
KingstonCommunitySchoolsworksintentionallyto makesureeverystudentfeelsseenandsupported.The districtfollowsstrongequitypoliciesthatguarantee fairaccesstoprogramsandresourcesforalllearners. Thiscommitmentreachesbeyondpolicyintodaily practice,whereteachersuseculturallyresponsive approachestocreateclassroomsthatreflectand respectdifferentperspectives.
Studentsupportprogramsalsoplayakeyrole.Peer mentoringandinclusiveactivitieshelpfosterasenseof belonging,allowingstudentsfromallbackgroundstofeel connectedandvalued.Byweavingdiversity,equity,and inclusionintoitsculture,Kingstonensuresthattheschool experiencepreparesstudentsnotonlyforacademic successbutalsoforlifeinadiverseworld.
SupportingStudentsEveryStepoftheWay
KingstonCommunitySchoolspairsstrongacademicswith servicesthatcareforthewholestudent.Counselingis availableateverygradelevel,helpingchildrenandteens withacademicplanning,personalchallenges,andfuture goals.Atthehighschool,careerreadinesstakescenter stagethroughjob-shadowingopportunities,dualenrollmentcourses,andpartnershipswithlocal businesses.
Mentorshipprogramsconnectstudentswithstaffand communitymemberswhoguidethemalongbothcollege andcareerpaths.Healthandwellnessalsoremaina priority,withschoolnursesandmentalhealthresources ensuringthatstudentsarecaredforphysicallyand emotionally Together,theseservicesgiveKingston studentsthesupporttheyneedtothrivetodayandstep confidentlyintotomorrow
BuildingtheFuturewithPurpose
KingstonCommunitySchoolslooksaheadwithaclear planforgrowthandinnovation.Guidedbyitsstrategic actionplan,knownasC.A.R.D.S.,thedistricthasoutlined prioritiesthattoucheverypartofschoollife.Culture focusesonbuildingleadersandstrengtheningpartnerships withfamiliesandthecommunity.Academicsaimto expandopportunitiesforlearningandstudentgrowth.
Retentionandrecruitmenthighlighttheimportanceof supportingastrong,qualifiedworkforce,whilediscipline centersoncreatingclearandconsistentexpectations acrossallschools.Finally,supportensuresthatstudent wellnessremainsattheheartofeverydecision.Withthese goals,Kingstonisbuildingonitshistoryofexcellence whilepreparingstudentstosucceedinanincreasingly complexworld.
Building Bright Futures for Every Student
IntheheartofcoastalVirginia,, NewportNewsPublicSchools (NNPS)standsasashining exampleofinnovation,inclusion,and studentsuccess.Withamissionto ensureeverystudentgraduates college,career,andcitizen-ready, NNPShasearnedareputationasone ofthemostadmiredschooldistrictsin thenation.Rootedinalonghistory anddrivenbyaboldvisionforthe future,thisdistrictcontinuestoevolve tomeettheneedsofitsdiverseand growingstudentpopulation.
ARichHistoryandEvolving Mission
ThestoryofNewportNewsPublic Schoolsdatesbackto1896,whenthe NewportNews(Va.)TheBoardof SchoolTrusteeswasestablishedsoon afterthecity’sincorporation.This foundationalbodypavedthewayfor theSchoolBoardin1921.Apivotal momentarrivedin1958withthe consolidationofNewportNewsand Warwickcities,formingtheNewport NewsCityPublicSchoolsDistrictwe knowtoday
Overthedecades,NNPShasgrownin stepwiththeexpandingpopulationof NewportNews.Today,thedivision proudlyeducatesapproximately 26,000studentsacross40schools, guidedbyaseven-memberschool boardandadedicateddivision superintendent.Thecoremissionof NNPSisclearandcompelling:to ensurethatallstudentsgraduate college,career,andcitizen-ready
Withadedicated,proactiveSchool Boardandstaff,theschooldivision’s commitmenttoallstudentsisupheld throughacomprehensiveapproach, fromearlylearningliteracyandmath programstostate-of-the-artscience labsandadvanced educationaltechnology
ANationalLeaderinInnovation
NNPShasconsistentlygarnerednationalrecognitionforits innovativeandeffectiveprograms.Thedivisionboastsanimpressive 12MagnaawardsfromtheNationalSchoolBoardsAssociation (NSBA),aprestigiousprogramthatcelebratesexemplaryschool districtinitiatives.Mostrecently,NNPSreceivedthe2024Silver MagnaAwardforitsYouthDevelopmentProgram,highlightingits commitmenttofosteringwell-roundedstudentsbeyondacademics.
AcademicExcellence:OptionsandOpportunitiesforAll
NNPSoffersarobustcontinuumofacademicprogramsdesignedto engagestudentsateverylevel,fromelementarytohighschool. Complementingitscomprehensivecorecurriculum,thedivision providesadiversearrayofmagnetandspecialtyprogramoptions, allowingstudentstoexploreareasofinterestsuchas:
• EnvironmentalScience
• ArtsandCommunication
• Aviation
• GlobalStudies
• HealthSciences
• InternationalBaccalaureate
• Science,Technology,Engineering,andMath(STEM)
• MaritimeEngineeringandEnvironmentalStudies
Beyondthesespecializedpathways,NNPSalsooffersavarietyof otherimpactfulprograms,includingDualLanguageImmersion,Early College,AdvancedPlacement(AP),EarlyCareer,andCareerand TechnicalEducation(CTE).Theseofferingsensurestudentshave multipleavenuestopursuetheirpassionsandprepareforfuture endeavors.
DemographicsandDedicatedSupport:Embracing Diversity
NewportNewsPublicSchoolsisavibranttapestryofdiverse learners.Whileenrollmenthasremainedsteadyataround 26,000students,thedemographicmakeupcontinuestoevolve. Significantly,over2,500studentsspeakalanguageotherthan English,highlightingthedivision’scommitmenttosupporting amulticulturalstudentbody.
Tocatertothisrichdiversityandensureeverystudentthrives, NNPSembracesanequity-centeredinstructionaldesign. Teachersutilizedifferentiatedinstruction,culturallyresponsive teachingpractices,anddata-informedsmallgroupsupportto addressindividuallearningstylesandneeds.Thedivision's strategicactionagendaprioritizeshigh-qualitycoreinstruction, evidence-basedliteracypractices,andfosteringastrongculture andclimateineveryschool.
Community-CenteredServices
NNPSextendsitscommitmenttostudent well-beingbeyondtheclassroomthrougha rangeofcommunityservices.The school-basedStudentSupportServices andMentalHealthTherapyProgram providesdirectaccesstoStudentSupport SpecialistsandLicensedMentalHealth Professionalswithinschoolbuildings.These servicesarecrucialforpromotingemotional well-being,reducingbarrierstolearning,and fosteringstudentsuccess.
Beyondthesein-houseservices,NNPS activelyengageswiththewidercommunity throughinitiativeslikeitsannualSTEM CommunityDay,partnershipswithlocal organizationsformajorpublicevents,anda robustAdultEducationprogramthatenables adultstoearntheirGED.
EnrichingExperiences:Extracurriculars andBeyond
NNPSfirmlybelievesinthepowerof extracurricularactivitiestofosterholistic studentdevelopment.TheYouth DevelopmentDepartmentworksdiligently toensurethateverystudenthasthe opportunitytoparticipateinatleastone club,sport,oractivity.Inthe2024-2025 schoolyearalone,NNPSofferedan impressive1,225opportunitiesrepresenting 331uniqueclubs,sports,andactivities acrossgradesK-12-a13%increaseoverthe previousyear.Morethan20,000students participatedinatleastoneextracurricular activity,demonstratingthewidespread engagement.
Fromdiverseclubofferingstorobustmiddle andhighschoolathleticprogramsincluding track,volleyball,basketball,andabroader rangeofsportsatthehighschoollevel, NNPSprovidesampleavenuesforstudents toexploretheirinterests,developnewskills, andbuildcharacter.Additionally,Outdoor Educationprogramsemphasizeskill development,safety,andteamworkthrough variousoutdooractivities.
CollaborativeLeadershipforSeamless Operations
ThesmoothoperationofNNPSisatestament toitscollaborativeleadershipmodel.Central departmentsprovidestrategicsupportand oversight,ensuringallschoolsarealignedand responsivetostudentandfamilyneeds.
Eachdepartmentisledbyexperienced professionalswhopartnercloselywith schoolstoimplementdivision-wide initiatives,monitorperformancedata,and delivercrucialprofessionallearning.This networkedapproachensureseveryschoolis well-equippedtoserveitsstudents andfamilies.
FosteringaWelcomingandInclusiveEnvironment
NNPSiscommittedtocultivatingawelcomingandinclusive environmentforall,especiallygivenitsdiversepopulation, includingmanymilitary-connectedstudentsandEnglishLanguage Learners.Targetedprogramsareinplacetosupportthesegroups, suchasahighschoolsoccerclubthatengagesEnglishLearnersto boostattendance,aprogramthatrecentlyearnedanationalaward forattendanceinitiatives.
TheFamilyandCommunityEngagementteamisintegraltothis effort,withaspecialistineachschool,someofwhomarebilingual tocatertospecificschoolneeds.Thesespecialistsprovidesupportto studentsandfamiliesinvariouswaysandhostnumerousfamily eventsthroughouttheyeartoensureresourcesarepromotedand familiesreceivethehelptheyneed,bothwithinandoutside ofschool.
ComprehensiveStudentSupport:Beyond Academics
NNPSoffersaholisticsuiteofstudentsupport servicesthatextendbeyondacademicinstruction toaddresssocial-emotionalwell-beingandcareer development.Schoolcounselorsprovide individualizedcollegeandcareerplanning, guidingstudentstowardstheirpost-graduation aspirations.CareerPathwaysprogramsoffer invaluableexposuretoreal-worldindustriesand mentorshipexperiences,bridgingthegap betweenclassroomlearningandfuturecareers.
Furthermore,studentsbenefitfrommentalhealth support,wellnessprograms,andstrong partnershipswithlocalbusinessesandhigher educationinstitutionssuchasWilliam&Mary andChristopherNewportUniversity These partnershipsprovideinvaluablenetworking opportunitiesandensurestudentsarenotonly academicallypreparedbutalsowell-equippedto navigatelifebeyondgraduation.
Each day in Newport News Public Schools the focus is on one mission: ensuring that all students graduate college, career and citizen-ready! “
FutureForward:AcceleratingStudent Achievement
Lookingahead,NNPSissteadfastinitscommitment toacceleratingstudentachievementthroughstrategic initiatives.Keygoalsincludestrengtheningcore instruction,streamliningtheK-12curriculum,and expandingaccesstoadvancedcoursework,including theopportunityforstudentstoearnanassociate's degreefromVirginiaPeninsulaCommunityCollege whilestillinhighschool.
Thedivisionisalsoimplementingacomprehensive readingactionplan,enhancingprofessionallearning forteachers,andleveragingdatatoprovidetargeted supportwhereit’sneededmost.Thesepriorities underscorethedistrict’sunwaveringfocusonits mission: ensuring every student graduates college, career, and citizen-ready
LeadershipwithaVision
AtthehelmofNNPSistheseven-memberelected SchoolBoardanditsSuperintendent,Dr.Michele Mitchell,aseasonededucatorwithover33yearsof experienceintheNewportNewsschoolsystem.
HavingservedasSuperintendentsince2023, Dr.Mitchellbringsawealthofleadershipfrom variousroles,includingExecutiveDirectorofStudent Advancement,wheresheoversawcriticalservices likesocialwork,psychologicalservices,dropout prevention,specialeducation,giftedprograms,and school-basedmentalhealthinitiatives.
Herextensivebackgroundasateacher,assistant principal,middleschoolprincipal,directorofspecial education,andinterimChiefAcademicOfficer providesherwithadeepunderstandingofthe educationallandscape.
Dr.Mitchell’smessagetocurrentandprospective studentsandtheirfamiliesisoneofunwavering dedication: “Newport News Public Schools is a place where every child is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. We are committed to providing a rich, inclusive, and innovative educational experience that prepares our students not just for graduation, but for successful and meaningful lives as future learners, skilled professionals, and engaged citizens.”
IncentralOklahoma,educationcarriesapersonaltouch.Familiesherewantmorethanaschoolsystem;they wantaplacewheretheirchildrenareseen,known,andsupported.Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsmeetsthat needbycombiningstrongacademicswithaclose-knitcommunityfeel.
ThisdistrictbringstogetherthetownsofPerkinsandTryonandreachesacrosspartsofPayne,Lincoln,andLogan counties.Itserves1,618studentswhoattendfourschools:anelementaryschoolforearlylearners,anintermediate schoolforgradesthreethroughfive,amiddleschool,andahighschool.Eachday,elevenbusesconnectstudentsto classroomsspreadacross197squaremiles,creatingasharedexperienceforchildrenfromallcornersofthedistrict.
Perkins-Tryonisgrowingsteadily.Newbusinessesareopening,morefamiliesaremovingin,andthelocaleconomyis expanding.Thedistrict’s2025–2026valuationstandsat$103,956,260,areflectionofthecommunity’supward momentum.Throughitall,thedistrictstayscommittedtoitsmission:tostriveforexcellenceandprepareevery studentforthefuture.
AcademicExcellencewithPurpose
Theschoolbuildsitsacademicprogramsaroundtheideathatlearningshouldopendoorsforeverystudent.Core subjects,includingmathematics,science,languagearts,andsocialstudies,formastrongfoundationforcritical thinkingandproblem-solving.Beyondthebasics,studentsexploreSTEMprograms,thearts,foreignlanguages,and vocationaltraining,givingthemspacetodiscoverwhatexcitesthemmost.
Thisbalancedapproachhelpsstudentsconnectclassroomlearningtoreal-worldopportunities,whethertheirnextstep iscollege,technicaltraining,oracareer Thedistrict’sgoalisclear:topreparewell-roundedlearnerswhoarereadyto succeedwhereverlifetakesthem.
EnrollmentandTransfers
Perkins-Tryonwelcomesstudentswholivewithinthe districtandalsoconsiderstransferrequestsfrom outsidefamilies.Transferapprovalsdependonspace availableattherequestedgradelevel,basedonthe district’sestablishedcapacitynumbers.Applications arereviewedcarefullytoensureclasssizesremain manageableandlearningenvironmentsstaystrong.
Transfersmaybedeclinedifspaceislimitedorif attendanceordisciplineconcernsarepresent.This thoughtfulprocessallowsthedistricttomaintainits personalapproachtoeducationwhilemakingroom fornewstudentswheneverpossible.
GrowingEnrollmentandaDiverseStudentBody
Theinstitutehasseensteadyenrollmentoverthepast severalyears,reflectingthedistrict’sreputationasa trustedplaceforlearning.Studentnumbersgrewfrom 1,516in2021–2022to1,616in2025–2026,asignof thecommunity’scontinuedgrowthandconfidencein theschools.
Thedistrictalsoservesadiversestudentpopulation.About 75percentofstudentsidentifyasWhite,15percentas NativeAmerican,5percentasAfricanAmerican,and5 percentasHispanic.Thisdiversityaddstotherichnessof classroomdiscussionsandhelpsstudentslearnfromone another’sexperiencesandperspectives.
SupportingEveryStudent
Perkins-Tryonbelievesthateverychildcansucceedwhen giventherighttoolsandguidance.Thedistricttakesan inclusive,equity-focusedapproachdesignedtomeet studentswheretheyare.Personalizedlearningplanshelp teacherstailorinstructiontoindividualneeds,whileahighquality,inclusivecurriculumensuresthateverylearner feelsrepresentedandchallenged.
Teachersreceiveongoingprofessionaldevelopmentand support,allowingthemtobringfreshstrategiesintothe classroom.Earlyinterventionprogramscatchpotential strugglesbeforetheygrow,andstudentshaveequitable accesstotechnologyandresources.Data-drivendecisionmakingkeepsthefocusonwhatworksbestforstudents.
EngagingwiththeCommunity
Theschoolextendslearningbeyondtheclassroomby encouragingstudentstobeactivemembersoftheir community Thedistrictsupportsarangeofservice opportunitiesthatteachresponsibility,empathy,and leadership.Studentsparticipateinfoodandclothingdrives, coatgiveaways,andrecyclingprogramsthathelpcarefor bothpeopleandtheenvironment.
Volunteeringatlocalfoodbanks,joiningschool-based serviceclubs,andtakingpartincommunityclean-up projectsgivestudentshands-onwaystomakeadifference. Blooddrivesandotherinitiativesfurtherstrengthenties betweenschoolsandthecommunity,showingstudentsthat givingbackispartofeverydaylife.
ExtracurricularOpportunities
Perkins-Tryonprovidesstudentswithawiderangeof extracurricularactivitiesthatencourageteamwork, leadership,andpersonalgrowth.Athleticsplayacentral role,withprogramsinfootball,basketball,cross-country, volleyball,baseball,track,golf,andbothfastandslowpitchsoftball.Cheerleadingaddsenergyandschoolspirit, bringingcommunitiestogetherforeverygameandevent.
Beyondsports,studentsexplorecreativeandleadershippursuits.Thebandoffersmusicaldevelopment,FFAsupports agriculturallearningandleadership,Esportsengagesstudentsincompetitivegaming,andtheHOPESquadfocusesonpeer supportandcommunitywell-being.Theseopportunitiesallowstudentstodiscovertheirpassionswhilebuildingskillsthat lastalifetime.
LeadershipandKeyDepartments
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsareguidedbyateamofdedicatedleadersfocusedonsupportingstudents,teachers,andthe broadercommunity.AtthetopistheSuperintendentwhooverseesthedistrict'svisionanddailyoperations.TheSpecial EducationDirectorensuresthatstudentswithuniquelearningneedsreceivethesupporttheydeservewhiletheDirectorof Operationskeepsthedistrictrunningsmoothly
OtherimportantrolesincludetheFederalProgramDirectorandtheprincipalsofeachschool,includingthehighschool, middleschool,intermediate,andelementaryschools.Thisteamworkstogethertomaintainaconsistent,high-quality educationalexperienceacrossthedistrict.
StudentSupportServices
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsprovidearangeofservicesdesignedtohelpeverystudentsucceedbothinsideandoutsidethe classroom.Academicsupportprogramsgivestudentsextrahelpwhentheyneedit,whilecounselingservicesguidethem throughpersonalandsocialchallenges.Healthservicesandsocialservicesensurethatstudents’physicalandemotional needsaremet,creatingasafeandsupportivelearningenvironment.
Behaviorandemotionalsupportprogramshelpstudents managechallenges,andcollegeandcareerreadiness initiativespreparethemforlifeaftergraduation.Special educationservicesensurethateverylearnerreceivesthe guidanceandresourcesnecessarytoreachtheirfull potential.
AcademicInitiatives
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolshaveembracedinnovative programstostrengthenlearningandensurestudentsreach theirfullpotential.OneoftheseinitiativesisIXL,a personalizedplatformformath,Englishlanguagearts, science,andsocialstudies.IXLusesanadaptivesystemthat adjustsquestiondifficultybasedoneachstudent’s performance,allalignedwithOklahomaStandards.
Foryoungerlearners,Perkins-TryonoffersWaterford,an earlyeducationplatformforpre-kindergartenthroughsecond grade.Waterfordfocusesonliteracy,math,and science,providing
lessonstailoredtoeachchild.Thisprogrambuildsastrong foundationintheearlyyears,settingstudentsupforsuccess inlatergrades.
CommitmenttoStudentsandFamilies
Perkins-TryonPublicSchoolsfocusoncreatingasafe, inclusive,andacademicallychallengingenvironmentwhere everystudentcangrowintellectually,socially,and emotionally.Facultyandstaffworktirelesslytosupport learningandpersonaldevelopment,whilethedistrictvalues thestrongpartnershipsharedwithfamiliesinnurturing lifelonglearners.
Prospectivefamiliesareencouragedtoexplorethedistrict’s programs,extracurricularopportunities,andresources,all designedtoeducatethewholechild.Studentsareprepared notonlyforacademicsuccessbutalsoforleadership, citizenship,andmeaningfulparticipationinadiverseworld.
Thedistrict’sleadershiphasearnedstatewiderecognition. DonnaBoles,intermediateprincipal,wasnamed ElementarySchoolPrincipaloftheYearin2015–2016by theOklahomaAssociationofElementarySchoolPrincipals. SuperintendentDougOglehasreceivedmultiplehonors, includingOASARegionAssistantSuperintendentofthe Yearin2018,2020,and2023,andOASARegion SuperintendentoftheYearin2025.Theirguidanceensures thatPerkins-Tryoncontinuestoprovideexcellenceforevery studentandfamily
“
We believe in educating the whole child and preparing students not just for academic achievement, but also for leadership, citizenship, and meaningful engagement in a diverse world.
