The Elgin Elementary Staff pose with the Governor, State Senator and Commissioner of Education
It was a big day for EPS when Governor Dave Heinemen presented the Elgin Elementary with the 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award on November 28th! Opening the ceremony was Principal Adam Patrick. EPS Music teacher, Mrs. Deb Jones led the elementary in singing the Star Spangled Banner. Board President Laurie Waterbury gave the welcome to staff, students and parents. Title One Instructor, Mrs. Tina Thiele-Blecher gave an overview of the award application process. Mrs. Brenda Siems, Kindergarten teacher, introduced District 41 State Senator, Kate Sullivan. The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Roger Breed was introduced by First Grade Teacher, Dianne Gunderson. Introducing Governor Dave Heineman was Mrs. Shirley Thorberg our Sixth Grade Instructor.
The Elgin Elementary Staff and Students pose with Governor Heineman, Senator Sullivan and Commissioner Breed
The Blue Ribbon Award Banner hanging proudly in the gym
Mrs. Dianne Gunderson
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Roger Breed
Dr. Breed recognized the Class D1 State Football team members
Mrs. Shirley Thorberg
Mrs. Thorberg did her homework on the Governor and had a few fun facts for the students about him.
The Elgin Elementary Staff and Students pose with Governor Heineman, Senator Sullivan and Commissioner Breed
Governor Heineman congratulated the staff and students on a job well done and spoke on the importance of education. He spoke to the students about how important good reading skills are and that he reads three to four hours a day in his job. The Governor then presented the Blue Ribbon Award to the Elgin Elementary Staff and congratulated each of them along with Senator Sullivan and Dr. Breed.
The Elementary staff celebrates their award
Superintendent Dan Polk gives the Governor the plaque
Governor presents the elementary staff their 2012 National Blue Ribbon School Award!
Board Vice-President, Steve Heithoff
Mrs. Jones and the Elementary students lead everyone in singing the Eagle Fight Song!
Mr. Patrick breaks the news that in spite of the Governor's suggestion we get our of school for the rest of the day, we have to go back to classes.
The closing comments were by Steve Heithoff, Vice President of the School Board. The program was concluded by singing the Eagle Fight Song led by Mrs. Jones and the elementary students.
The morning concluded with a fun filled photo session as you can tell by the slideshow pictures. Thank you to Governor Heineman, Senator Sullivan and Dr. Breed for posing for so many photos and for coming to our school!
Click on the links below to read about the application process as explained to us by Mrs. Tina Thiele-Blecher and the actual 27 page form that was completed and submitted by the elementary teachers and administration. Also below is a link to the NDE website featuring the Blue Ribbon ceremony.
