In a surprise ceremony with students and staff, Patrick Marsh was named the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Middle School of Excellence for Medium-Sized Schools by AWSA -- the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators.  The prestigious designation of Middle School of Excellence ss an honor for the school, its staff, and its students!  The presentation was made by AWSA President Patricia Polczynski and AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch.

Patrick Marsh had been designated as an Exemplary Middle School by AWSA earlier this school year.  Exemplary Middle Schools are those ranking the top 10% of all schools in reading and mathematics achievement on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations, having significant gains in reading or mathematics scores during the past year, or having high growth in reading or mathematics.  Exemplary Middle Schools may then apply for a Middle School of Excellence award.   A panel of judges, including middle school principals and a representative from the Department of Public Instruction reviewed the applications, examining the schools' efforts and accomplishments in the areas of collaborative leadership and professional learning communities; personalization and the school environment; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Clark Luessman, Principal of Patrick Marsh, is thrilled with the award. "At Patrick Marsh, we believe that the quality of student learning is directly, although not exclusively, related to the quality of teaching . We are fortunate to have a staff possessing superior knowledge, experience, and an unwavering commitment to working collaboratively to develop programming to meet the diverse needs of students."

In the application for the award, Mr. Luessman touted the expertise of the teaching staff at Patrick Marsh. "Our teaching staff strongly advocates for educational excellence, holding themselves and their students to high standards. Our reading specialist was a recipient of a Wisconsin State Reading Association Pat Bricker Research Award.  Five PMMS teachers have successfully proven themselves to be accomplished teachers by achieving National Board Certification and teaching licensure at the Master Educator level. Literacy teachers have received statewide distinction with honors including Kohl Educational Fellowship Award and Wisconsin Department of Instruction Middle/Junior High School Teacher of the YearAward."

Mr. Luessman is proud of the welcoming environment of Patrick Marsh.  "Visitors should prepare themselves to be swamped by a sea of friendly faces when visiting the warm environment of our school. Adults are always present in hallways greeting students before and after school and during passing times. We not only set high academic standards and encourage students to do well, but more importantly, we make students feel that they belong and show that we care about them, as well as in their learning."

The school's band, choir, and orchestra all performed during the special assembly!  See photos below.