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Published February 17, 2010, 01:56 PM

Hudson Middle School is named ‘Middle School of Excellence’

The Hudson Middle School is one of six schools statewide to receive a Middle School of Excellence award at this week’s Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) Middle-Level Principals Conference in Appleton.

The Hudson Middle School is one of six schools statewide to receive a Middle School of Excellence award at this week’s Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) Middle-Level Principals Conference in Appleton.

Said Principal Dan Koch of the award, “The designation ‘School of Excellence’ is a genuine tribute to the faculty and staff who have focused their careers on working with middle level learners. It is challenging work, and on a daily basis they rise to the occasion. Our school is deeply committed to the middle level philosophy and we have found genuine support in the district and in the community for the work we do.”

He added, “Middle level learners require multi-faceted approaches to meet their academic, social, emotional and physical needs. The professional educators who teach at the middle school are dedicated to doing just that. It is not easy work and everyday I’m reminded of how challenging it is and how well they do it.

According to a press release from the Department of Public Instruction, the six schools were among 83 exemplary middle schools recognized last fall for student achievement by AWSA and the DPI. This is the third year that middle schools - small, medium, large, and high poverty - were chosen for recognition and the first time judges reached tie scores and made double awards in two categories.

The other schools to receive the honor included:

  • In the large category along with Hudson, Waunakee Community Middle School

  • In medium category, Einstein Middle School in Appleton

  • In small category, Menominee Indian Middle School in Neopit –

  • High poverty category, Unity Middle School in Balsam Lake, and T.J. Walker Middle School in Sturgeon Bay.

    “Middle school sets the stage for future academic and career success,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “That is why it’s important to recognize middle schools that have set high standards and provide the supports their students need to make the many transitions that take place in middle school.”

    A panel of judges, which included middle school principals and a representative from the Department of Public Instruction, judged applications. They examined the schools’ efforts and accomplishments in the areas of collaboration and professional learning communities; personalization and the school environment; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

    Schools were invited to apply for a Middle School of Excellence award by being in the top 10 percent of all schools in either reading or mathematics achievement on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations, having significant gains in reading or mathematics scores during the past year, or having high growth in reading or mathematics achievement in schools of high poverty.

    For more information about the award go to the district’s Web site at www.hudson.k12.wi.us and click on schools.

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