|  | | MESPA Home > Press Room |  | Dassel Elementary honored as MAASFEP Distinguished School
3/30/2009 2:40 PM | | Principal Rob Nudell (l) accepting honor of Dassell Elementary as a MAASFEP Distinguished School. |
March 30, 2009 -- Dassel Elementary School has been recognized by the Minnesota Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs (MAASFEP) as a Distinguished School. Dassel Elementary was the only school in the state to receive this honor. The award was presented to Mr. Rob Nudell, principal, during the March convention.
Dassel Elementary School has made exceptional growth towards closing the achievement gap and raising achievement for all students. Through combined efforts of students, parents, staff and administrators, Dassel Elementary School is able to show remarkable progress on its mission to improve student achievement.
Academically, there were several pieces that helped students achieve at a higher level:
- Grade level teams gathered to analyze MCA test specs and student achievement data in order to identify gaps in curriculum and plan for instruction to help close the gaps.
- District Staff Development opportunities were put into place, giving teachers time to grow professionally in the areas of instruction and assessment.
- TAT (Teacher Assistance Team) members met regularly with classroom teachers to help create measurable goals for at-risk students.
- Special Education staff members focused on specified skills to promote success on each child’s individualized learning goals.
- Title One assistants and teachers worked closely with students to review skills not yet mastered.
- The MARS (Math and Reading success) after school program was established to help targeted students receive additional instruction and test-taking preparation in the weeks prior to standardized testing.
- District gifted/talented students continued to be challenged at their academic levels through the Odyssey program, which met
 | | Dassell Elementary staff |
for four hours each week to engage students in a variety of academic and creative areas of study.
Research strongly indicates that academic success is directly correlated with social and emotional well-being. Dassel Elementary worked diligently to address needs through the following programs:- JUMPSTART, a breakfast meeting before school, gave a small group of 3rd and 4th graders support with organizational, behavioral, hygiene, and academic issues. JUMPSTART leaders were in direct contact with the students’ classroom teachers through individualized behavior programs, providing encouragement to help “jumpstart” the students’ days on positive notes.
- CARE time was an integral part of building positive relationships and promoting academic success throughout the school. During CARE time, students engaged in multiple intelligence learning activities through art, reading, games, character educational and OLWEUS (anti-bullying program) lessons. It is truly inspiring to witness the sense of belonging and the social/emotional foundation that was established by the student body and staff.
- STARS (Students Are Reaching Success) program, a dynamic and effective program that met on a weekly basis after school, had a target population of second through fourth graders. Led by staff members under the guidance of the school social worker, it provided opportunities for students to engage in activities which they might not otherwise have had an opportunity to experience. Favorite activities included numerous family nights with parents and staff. New last years was the addition of a homework/skills remediation program which provided additional academic support for students.
Dassel Elementary School plans to hold a celebration in May!!
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