Board of Education honors Reward School recipients

For the staff of Patrick Hamilton Elementary School, their recent designation as one of the State of Michigan’s Reward Schools is a sign that their efforts to reverse their previous fortunes had paid off.

Just three years ago, the Dowagiac Board of Education identified the K-5 school as one that needed improvement, and was only a few points away from being a priority school, said Board President Michelle Charles.

“With that information you didn’t tuck your heads,” she said. “You said, ‘in spite of whatever anybody says about us, we can make it happen.’ To take on such an effort in three years, it didn’t take one teacher or principal, it had to be school wide.”

Charles and the other members of the board honored the teachers and administration with Patrick Hamilton and Sister Lakes Elementary School Monday night, during their meeting inside the former’s library. Both schools received a coveted Reward School status from the state department of education earlier this year for well-exceeding expectations for student achievement.

Deputy Superintendent Dawn Connor presented educators from both schools with banners commemorating the achievement.

“Two of our schools accomplished something that is absolutely remarkable,” Connor said. “The data on how our students in Dowagiac are performing is absolutely amazing. In every area where our district is expected to perform, we are exceeding that.”

Connor initially announced the results of the state’s annual top-to-bottom rankings to the board last month. Both Dowagiac schools were placed into two comparison groups with 29 other Michigan schools; Patrick Hamilton ranked first in its group, while Sister Lakes placed second.

This is the first time that Patrick Hamilton has received the designation, Connor said.

“I’m so proud my team,” said Principal Heather Nash. “We know why we are here, and it makes all of the ‘how’ worth it, because we know the ‘why.’”

Sister Lakes, meanwhile, captured their second straight Reward School title in a row.

“We’re going to do the three-peat hopefully next year as well,” said Principal Mike Campbell.

The staff won’t be the only ones celebrating the accomplishment, as both schools will be holding assemblies for students in the coming weeks. Patrick Hamilton will hold a dance party at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26; Sister Lakes will host a school-wide assembly at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6, with surprise guest entertainment.