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
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