MESPA 2008-2009 Minnesota Schools of Excellence

Nine elementary schools received 2008-2009 Minnesota School of Excellence endorsement (listed below). MESPA is proud of these schools -- and their principals will be honored on February 5, 2009 during the MESPA Institute -- our annual statewide convention. Each school community will hold their own Minnesota School of Excellence celebration in the spring; click on 2008-2009 Validations (to the right) and check out photos and details from each school.   "The total commitment to excellence demonstrated by schools receiving Principals from schools receiving 2009 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence validation: (l-r, back) Sam Skaaland, Joey Page, Darren Schuler, Jon Millerhagen, Matt Dorschner (Minnesota School of Excellence Program chair); (l-r, front) Dr. Fatima Lawson, Paul Helberg, Bill Book, Paul Meyer, Joan Maland. Minnesota School of Excellence validation is the very center of quality education in this state," said P. Fred Storti, MESPA executive director. “Elementary and middle level schools provide the foundation in meeting children’s educational needs -- and as instructional leaders, principals play an essential role in assuring that the foundation is a solid one.” Bill Book, principal, Pinewood Elementary School, Mounds View; Paul Helberg, principal, Valley View Elementary School, Bloomington; Dr. Fatima Lawson, Bill Book, principal of Pinewood Elementary (second from left), gathered with his team to plan a spring celebration of their validation as a Minnesota School of Excellence. Scroll down on this page to view a slide show of the other school teams. principal, L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School, St. Paul; Joan Maland, principal, Indian Mounds Elementary School, Bloomington; Paul Meyer, principal, Hubert Olson Elementary School, Bloomington; Jon Millerhagen, principal, Washburn Elementary School, Bloomington; Joey Page, principal, Sheridan Hills Elementary School, Richfield; Darren Schuler, principal, Delano Elementary School, Delano; Sam Skaaland, principal, Lake Park Audubon Elementary School, Audubon.

Image Gallery: Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration Planning
November 3, 2008: Teams from eight of the schools endorsed in 2008-09 as Minnesota Schools of Excellence gathered at the TIES Education Center in St. Paul to plan community celebrations of their excellence!
See all 8 images.