Official Guide to Delano 2020 | Page 27

Submitted photo Superintendent Matt Schoen shakes the hand of a 2019 graduate. to a K-3 building due to the opening of Delano Intermediate School. The school’s mission is to educate individuals to be lifelong learners, possessing the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and citizenship necessary to function and fl ourish in a rapidly changing society. The curriculum and special programs at DES refl ect a commitment to providing educational experiences that prepare learners for the world beyond school doors. There is an emphasis on advancing education through technology with the use of SMARTboards, Sound Field Systems, iPads, Kindles, Chromebooks, Nooks, and other devices. In addition, DES offers gifted and talented programs for high- potential students, along with Title I and Special Education programming. The following list includes awards and recognitions earned by DES: • In 2018, DES earned honors in math progress, as determined by MCA testing, under the state’s new North Star accountability system. The distinction means that the school performed in the top 5 percent in the state. • DES was among just four schools in Minnesota to receive a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award for 2017. • In 2013, DES was designated a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School for educational excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. DES was one of only six Minnesota schools to receive this award, and one of 286 in the nation. • In 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016, DES was designated a Reward School by the Minnesota Department of Education for performing in the top 15 percent of elementary schools in Minnesota. • DES received a Minnesota Excellence Foundation School Spotlight Award in 2009 for demonstrating academic excellence and signifi cant gains in achievement. • In 2008, DES received a Minnesota School of Excellence Award from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association. Parents play an important role in the success of the school. The staff considers itself fortunate to have dedicated parent volunteers who spend countless hours assisting with student learning, and encourages parents to be active participants in the educational process. For more information on Delano Elementary School, go to www.delano.k12.mn.us and click on “Elementary.” Delano Intermediate School Delano Intermediate School opened in the fall of 2018, and serves grades 4-6. Though the intermediate school is establishing its own culture in terms of grading, a unique schedule that includes Zero Hour opportunities and more, it builds on the solid foundation set by Delano Middle School, which served grades 5-8 in past years. Delano Intermediate School’s mission is to work in partnership with the community and families to create a climate of success for all learners, with a focus on nurturing students’ social and emotional development along with continuous academic growth. Programs are offered in the four core disciplines of science, math, social studies, and language arts. In addition, students are offered exploratory opportunities in physical education, health, art, music, and engineering. Its programs provide a well-rounded educational experience. The DIS administration and staff believe in educating individuals to be lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and citizenship necessary to function and fl ourish in a global society. Students are recognized and rewarded for their academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular achievements, and attendance. The school makes a point to acknowledge as many students as possible for their successes and improvements. For more information about Delano Intermediate School, go to www. delano.k12.mn.us and click on “Intermediate.” Delano High School Delano High School transitioned to a 7-12 secondary building in the fall of 2018. DHS is a caring community committed to achieving academic excellence, responsible leadership, and consistent integrity. Students are encouraged to follow “The Delano Way: Show Up, Show Up on Time, Work Hard, and Failure is Not an Option.” The DHS administration and staff believe that success is not an accident; it takes hard work and preparation, as well as intense focus, to achieve success. The following list includes awards and recognitions achieved by DHS: • In 2019, DHS was the only high school in Minnesota named to the AP Honor Roll for simultaneously expanding participation and performance in advanced placement courses. Only 250 schools in the U.S. and Canada earned the honor. Delano was also named to the AP Honor Roll in 2015, 2016, and 2017. • DHS was among just 31 high schools in Minnesota to receive the 2019 College Success Award from GreatSchools. org. • In 2018 and 2019, DHS was named to the list of America’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. • In 2018, DHS earned honors in multiple categories of four-year graduation rate under the state’s new North Star accountability system. The distinction means that the school performed in the top 5 percent in the state. • DHS was designated a Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education in 2007, and again in 2010. DHS was the fi rst Minnesota high school so honored. • In 2009, DHS was designated a National Blue Ribbon School for educational excellence. DHS was one of only six schools in Minnesota to receive this award, and one of 321 in the nation. • In 2006, DHS received the Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation School Spotlight Award. DHS offers an advisory program, which assists students in planning their high school career and post-secondary educational, technical and/or career plans. In addition, College in the Schools, Advanced Placement, Project Lead the Way,and advanced classes are offered, and post-high- school credit opportunities are available through online DelanoHeraldJournal.com/guide | 27 |