US News cites Hancock Schools
Both middle and elem. schools among the best
Trending
HANCOCK -- Both Barkell Elementary School and Hancock Middle School have been named to the U.S. News & World Report “Best Schools” rankings for the second consecutive year.
The national publication evaluates public institutions based on student proficiency metrics in mathematics and reading compiled from standardized state assessments. The ranking methodology weights student achievement data at 50 percent, while the remaining half of the formula evaluates those academic outcomes against localized socioeconomic student demographics.
“Being recognized for the second year in a row reflects the hard work our students put into their learning each day and the dedication of our staff,” Hancock Middle and High School Principal Mollie Trewartha said.
Barkell Elementary Principal Karen Eddy credits the students, staff and families who contribute to the school's success.
"Receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year is something our entire Barkell family can be proud of," Eddy said in a statement "Every day, our teachers and staff work to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and believe in themselves."
Hancock Public Schools Superintendent Chris Salani told the Daily Mining Gazette that the consecutive national rankings reflect a coordinated effort across the district's faculty, instructional staff, and building leadership. He credited Eddy and Trewartha with establishing an environment focused on achievement.
Salani said he believes a few local schools have been recognized this year.
"I think just to speak of what we’re doing locally," he said, "it’s very important that we’re all pushing to help our students in our environments."
The recognition is significant, Salani said, because it shows what the district is doing internally and provides proof of student outcomes. Recognition can also influence enrollment.
"I think part of the piece that U.S. News and World Report actually helps identify and promote," Salani said, "is the fact when schools are recognized for their achievements, it does in fact help support retention, increase student returns, and attract new enrollments."
From Hancock Schools' perspective, the recognition is important, because it shows what the faculty and staff are doing internally.
"There’s proof to the outcomes for our students," Salani said. "They are achieving at levels that are above and beyond their peers locally or within the state. I think the biggest pieces that we had out there, several weeks ago, was our M-STEP scores from this past year, both third and fourth grades respectively, English and math. We’re the top in the Copper Country for both third grade and then math for fourth grade. We’re the highest in the U.P., and highest in the state for those achievement levels as being advanced or proficient in those categories, and that also stems into other classes as well."
U.S. News & World Report building-level data reports that Barkell Elementary students achieved 57 percent math and 48 percent reading proficiency, exceeding state averages. Middle and high school students recorded 51 percent math and 49 percent reading proficiency, outpacing statewide baselines. The 549-student district reports a 10 percent minority population, 41.2 percent economic disadvantage rate, a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a 95 percent teacher licensing rate.