South Terrace earns 'excellence' award

South Terrace Elementary in Carlton is one of five schools in the state named a Minnesota School of Excellence for its commitment to innovative teaching and learning.

The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association award promotes good work in education through a rigorous self-directed evaluation process, including parents, students, staff, administration.

Carlton superintendent Donita Stepan — who was full-time principal at South Terrace last year — said she is proud of the elementary school and its staff.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our staff, students, and community,” Stepan said. “Our school’s journey is a testament to the extraordinary potential of this district, and the potential of every single student who attends South Terrace Elementary.”

The Minnesota School of Excellence Program combines the findings of research on effective schooling with the practical on-site experience of working principals and education staff. Schools earn validation by completing a school community self-study, developing a plan to build on evident strengths, addressing areas needing improvement, and assessing ongoing results from implementing the plan.

Michelle Krell, executive director of the principal’s association, said the school improvement program examines the entire school community through six national standards, ensuring there is a holistic approach to creating a plan for future achievement.

In the application, South Terrace leaders talked about the way the school values diversity and uses it as a learning tool in the curriculum, as well as strong relationships between parents and teachers, and the school and businesses in the community.

“One of these opportunities includes our recently added, and very successful, Literacy Club,” the application stated. “This has allowed additional opportunities for our school, such as receiving grants for books and other resources.”

South Terrace Elementary serves approximately 160 students in grades preK-5. Washington Elementary in Cloquet was designated a School of Excellence in 2019.

The validation remains effective for seven years, at which point schools may choose to reapply for validation.