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Denise Kahler, Director of Communications and Recognition Programs - (785) 296-4876
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 20, 2024
Two Kansas schools recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools
TOPEKA — The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program has recognized two Kansas schools for exceptional student achievement in 2024.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, which is a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), has been recognizing qualifying schools for their positive educational advances since 1996. The program showcases the success of hundreds of schools in one of three categories:
NAESPA implemented the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have successfully used their ESEA federal funds to improve education for all students. More information about the distinguished schools program is available on the ESEA Network website, www.ESEAnetwork.org/ds.
Jamie Burtner, principal at Sterling Grade School, the ESEA award is “the reflection of the hard work, dedication, and high expectations Sterling USD 376 sets for our students, staff, and entire school and community.”
“This achievement underscores Sterling's commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that fosters growth, creativity, and excellence in all our students,” she said. “Our staff believes in the potential of our students, both inside and outside of the classroom, and this recognition validates our efforts to create a nurturing environment where students thrive.”
This is the second time Sterling Grade School was named an ESEA Distinguished School. They received the award in 2016.
Lorle Bolt, principal of the Overbook Attendance Center, said for the past two years, her K-3 school has prioritized building goals to boost student academic achievement, adding that staff members “approach education with urgency, holding data meetings, applying high-impact instructional strategies, and celebrating student growth in all classrooms.”
“In kindergarten, first, and second grades, they establish a strong foundation essential for future success on state assessments as well as individual student growth in math and reading,” she said. “In third grade, these pillars remain vital while test-taking strategies, standards alignment and interim data analysis become more central.”
This is the first time Overbrook Attendance Center, and a Santa Fe Trail USD 434 school has been named an ESEA Distinguished School.
All national ESEA Distinguished Schools are honored with a commemorative award package, a dedicated section on the ESEA Network website and a special presentation at the National ESEA Conference, which is scheduled for Feb. 19-21, 2025, in Austin, Tex., and online.
The following Kansas schools have been honored since the program’s inception in 1996:
In this edition | Feature Story | Assessments and Accountability | Reporting and Operations Standards and Instruction | Student Health and Nutrition | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition
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Denise Kahler (785) 296-4876 dkahler@ksde.org
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