Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

April 21, 2005

“Gold Star” Schools to be
Recognized in Jefferson City

Twelve elementary schools will be recognized May 2 in Jefferson City as “Gold Star” schools for 2004-05.

Commissioner of Education D. Kent King will honor the 12 schools at a luncheon and forum at Capitol Plaza Hotel. The forum begins at 9:30 a.m. and will feature panel discussions on effective educational practices; curriculum and instruction; and family and community partnerships.

The Gold Star Schools are:

• Bel Ridge Elementary School, Normandy School District

• Brunswick Elementary School

• Clark Elementary School, Webster Groves School District

• Grovespring Elementary School, Hartville School District

• Hermitage Elementary School

• Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson School District, Conception Junction

• Matthews Elementary School, New Madrid County School District

• Old Bonhomme Elementary School, Ladue School District

• Osage Beach Elementary School, Camdenton School District

• Reed Elementary School, Ladue School District

• Shepard Elementary School, St. Louis Public Schools

• West County Elementary School, West St. Francois County School District

The Gold Star schools met the same criteria as the No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon schools. The schools are selected for their “high-level” achievement or “significant improvement” on the MAP communication arts and mathematics exams for each of the last three years. The significantly improved schools must serve 40 percent or more disadvantaged students. All of the schools also had to meet federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements for 2004.

The Gold Star Schools program was established in 1991 and is sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Financial support is provided by State Farm Insurance Companies. A State Farm representative will present each of the schools with a plaque, banner and $500 check during the awards presentation, which begins at 1:50 p.m.