 | | Amy Galatz, principal, King Elementary |
2010-2011 MESPA
MN School of Excellence
Deer River Public Schools,
ISD #317
“King Elementary is a truly extraordinary school
community. We strive to build strong relationships with our families and
students. The staff at King Elementary has an incredible commitment to making
sure each child reaches their full potential. I am so proud of the hard work of
our students and staff. The Minnesota School of Excellence validation supports
the efforts of King Elementary School staff in our dedication to ongoing school
improvement.”
Amy
Galatz is the principal of King Elementary School, located in north central
Minnesota next to the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Chippewa National
Forest. King Elementary serves approximately 450 students in grades preschool
through 5. Close to 33 percent of students at King Elementary are of American
Indian descent. During the 2009-10 school year, King Elementary was one of two
schools statewide to be honored by the Minnesota Business Partnership with the
Minnesota’s Future Award. Additionally, in March 2010, King Elementary received
the Distinguished School Award from the Minnesota Association of Administrators
of State and Federal Programs. Both honors were to recognize King Elementary
School’s success in raising overall student performance and in closing the
achievement gap between white, minority, and low-income students.
As
principal, Galatz believes, “King Elementary is a truly extraordinary school
community. We strive to build strong relationships with our families and
students. The staff at King Elementary has an incredible commitment to making
sure each child reaches their full potential. I am so proud of the hard work of
our students and staff. The Minnesota School of Excellence validation supports
the efforts of King Elementary School staff in our dedication to ongoing school
improvement.”
The mission of Deer River
Schools is to develop lifelong learners prepared to succeed in an ever-changing
world. King Elementary places strong emphasis on social-emotional development.
Responsive Classroom is implemented school-wide. Teachers receive extensive
training in this approach, which guides them in creating classrooms of respect
and responsibility. Also, King Elementary recently received a grant and
coaching support from the Minnesota Department of Education for implementation
of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports. This initiative has begun to
streamline efforts with social skills groups and peer mediation programs, and
facilitates school-wide programs such as anti-bullying initiatives.
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