Nettleton Magnet Elementary School was recognized with the prestigious Minnesota’s Future Award for high academic performance by the Minnesota Business Partnership.
Nettleton was the only school chosen for this award in the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota Business Partnership is a nonprofit group of 100 CEO’s leading the state’s largest employers.
Nettleton’s Principal, Stephanie Heilig; Assistant Principal, Kathi Kusch Marshall; and a group of dedicated staff members traveled to Minneapolis to the Minnesota Business Partnership Annual Dinner to accept this important award. The event was attended by many noteworthy Minnesota business leaders, community leaders, local Minneapolis/St. Paul media, and Governor Pawlenty.
The percentage of Nettleton 3rd and 5th graders performing at or above grade level in reading and math from 2003 through 2005 was comparable to the statewide average. Nettleton focuses on reading.
With the help of a “Reading First” grant implemented in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Nettleton teachers learned and embedded effective reading practices into all subjects. Rather than rely on remediation to help struggling readers, Nettleton increased academic rigor and expectations, then provided additional support during and after school for students. “In many ways, we follow the pattern of successful businesses: We know our market, we base or decisions upon the latest research and best practices,” said Nettleton Principal Stephanie Heilig
