Thomas Jefferson Elementary is Awarded for Exceptional Student Performance

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is Awarded for Exceptional Student Performance

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School held an assembly Friday afternoon in its gymnasium to honor students for being awarded the National Title 1 Distinguished School Award for Exceptional Student Performance by the Indiana Department of Education for the 2016-2017 school year.

Selected schools qualify for the award by proving exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years, closing the achievement gap between student groups, holding excellence in serving special populations of students such as students that are without a home, students with disabilities, or students learning English.

While TJ Elementary has held exceptional student performance for three years in a row, raised ISTEP scores, and grown its general and English learning population, TJE Principal David Muniz talks about the most important piece of the puzzle to the school’s success.

“Our philosophy here is that if you can get a kid to believe in themselves – if you can get that mindset – you can get a kid to perform well in school, and it’s not just about doing well in school; it’s about being well-rounded,” explained Muniz. “I think what’s missed a lot, is that we focus so much on ISTEP and test scores and what’s missed is the reason why we are doing well. And that's because of how our students treat each other, how our teachers treat our kids, and how our staff treat each other.”

During the assembly, Muniz called on individual students from different grades to talk about why they think their school won the award. Understanding how hard everyone in the school works every day, the last student called on said they were the best “because of all the students and Mr. Muniz and all the teachers.”

Members of PTO were so proud that they made a banner for the students to congratulate them on their award. PTO President Kevin Kosek couldn’t contain his excitement for the school and students’ exceptional performance.

“We’re just so proud of you guys. This makes us proud as parents and I hope you guys are proud too,” said Kosek.

At the end the assembly, staff compiled a video presentation for the students filled with encouraging words of support for the school and students along with a gallery of photos showing what they’re thankful for at TJE.

If there’s one thing Muniz wants the community to take away receiving this award, is that if you get students to believe in themselves, then successful academics comes next.

“No matter what your background is, you can do just as good as any kid if you put in effort and you try your best every day. It shows that our kids can do it too, just like everyone else,” said Muniz. “I’m privileged and proud to be the principal of a school filled with amazing children and staff. You’re just proud of the students and teachers every single day.”