March 28, 2024

Woodrow Wilson is one of six Iowa schools to make the 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools list

Out of the blue

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Todd Schuster isn’t feeling blue after what his school has accomplished.

To celebrate Woodrow Wilson Elementary School’s inclusion in the U.S. Department of Education’s list of National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020, the principal donned something he hardly ever wears to work: blue jeans.

“Since being an administrator, I don’t know if it’s the first time but it’s very rare occasions that I do,” Schuster said with a laugh. “But it’s a big celebration!”

On Tuesday, staff and students in the Newton elementary school wore all blue to commemorate their achievement. Woodrow Wilson was one of six Iowa schools to receive the honor recognizing overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among subgroups of students.

“We congratulate Iowa’s Blue Ribbon Schools for their achievements in ensuring all students are engaged and learning,” Ann Lebo, director of Iowa Department of Education, said. “These schools are making sure their students are poised to meet the challenges of the future.”

According to the Iowa Department of Education’s website, more than 9,000 schools across the country have received the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, which has now entered its 38th year. The award looks at student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates, among other things.

The U.S. Department of Education will celebrate 367 recipients of the Nation Blue Ribbon Schools this year during a virtual ceremony Nov. 12 and 13.

Schuster credited Woodrow Wilson’s addition to the list partly because of its growth in the Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISPP). Newton News reported in January that during the 2018-2019 school year Woodrow Wilson received the highest performance rating of “exceptional” by ISPP.

Years before, Woodrow Wilson was rated “commendable” and then eventually moved up to “high performing.”

Schools all across the state are given an overall score based on accountability measures, including student participation on state assessment, academic achievement, student growth, graduation rate, progress in achieving English language proficiency and conditions for learning, according to ISPP.

Woodrow Wilson received an ISPP score of 69.36 out of 100. The 2019 state average was 54.95 out of 100. Compared to the other Newton campuses, Woodrow Wilson received the highest scores. Schuster assumed the U.S. Department of Education took that progression into account.

“It’s showed how much we’ve improved the last couple of years,” Schuster said. “What we’ve really focused on is building those relationships and building intervention time. I really think the combination of those two things have (helped). We’re reaping what we sow.”

It’s a tribute to the staff, as well, he said. Their innovative ideas and flexibility has been valuable to the elementary school.

“They are risk takers, and together we’re just meeting kids where they’re at and flourishing and making ‘em grow,” Schuster said. “It’s just a great school.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com