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Blue Springs, MO —
Liz Oles was a little surprised when she heard that Gov. Jay Nixon would be making a stop at Blue Springs High School.
“I definitely was not expecting to hear that,” said the high school senior. “But to have this kind of recognition is really rewarding for all of us. It is really exciting for him to be seeing all of the good things that are happening at Blue Springs High School and in the district.”
Nixon visited the high school Thursday to recognize the Blue Springs School District for its continued academic excellence. The district has received a School of Distinction designation from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the last two years. Districts must meet at least 13 out of 14 academic standards, including all six Missouri Assessment Program standards, to receive the award. In addition, the graduation rate and ACT score average continue to be well above the state averages in both areas.
“What has happened at this school for the last 15 years doesn’t happen very often,” he said to a room full of students, staff and administrators. “The excellence in Blue Springs has been sustained for many years. For 12 years in a row, the district has received the School of Distinction recognition. That puts you in a very elite group.”
Nixon’s visit to school not only served to recognize the district for its academic achievement, but to also put the spotlight on the state’s A-Plus program. For students who complete the program, the state provides a two-year, full tuition scholarship to any community college or technical school in the state.
“We are trying to make sure that everyone who wants an education, gets an education,” Nixon said. “The future will be won by those who are educated.”
In addition to the assembly, Nixon toured two classrooms at the high school, including the Project Lead the Way program. He said it is important to remember that students will not only be competing in the job market with those from Missouri, but with people throughout the world.
“We are entering a time where the economies in our world are interconnected,” he said. “Everyone of you need to embrace the resources you have here. Education is the future. Training is the future. We are all trying to work together to give you those opportunities.”
Oles said she was excited to be part of the governor’s visit and hopes the district continues to succeed academically.
“We have great teachers, great staff and a great school board,” she said. “I think that is very motivating and helps students to succeed in everything they do. I am glad the governor was able to see that today.”
Liz Oles was a little surprised when she heard that Gov. Jay Nixon would be making a stop at Blue Springs High School.
“I definitely was not expecting to hear that,” said the high school senior. “But to have this kind of recognition is really rewarding for all of us. It is really exciting for him to be seeing all of the good things that are happening at Blue Springs High School and in the district.”
Nixon visited the high school Thursday to recognize the Blue Springs School District for its continued academic excellence. The district has received a School of Distinction designation from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the last two years. Districts must meet at least 13 out of 14 academic standards, including all six Missouri Assessment Program standards, to receive the award. In addition, the graduation rate and ACT score average continue to be well above the state averages in both areas.
“What has happened at this school for the last 15 years doesn’t happen very often,” he said to a room full of students, staff and administrators. “The excellence in Blue Springs has been sustained for many years. For 12 years in a row, the district has received the School of Distinction recognition. That puts you in a very elite group.”
Nixon’s visit to school not only served to recognize the district for its academic achievement, but to also put the spotlight on the state’s A-Plus program. For students who complete the program, the state provides a two-year, full tuition scholarship to any community college or technical school in the state.
“We are trying to make sure that everyone who wants an education, gets an education,” Nixon said. “The future will be won by those who are educated.”
In addition to the assembly, Nixon toured two classrooms at the high school, including the Project Lead the Way program. He said it is important to remember that students will not only be competing in the job market with those from Missouri, but with people throughout the world.
“We are entering a time where the economies in our world are interconnected,” he said. “Everyone of you need to embrace the resources you have here. Education is the future. Training is the future. We are all trying to work together to give you those opportunities.”
Oles said she was excited to be part of the governor’s visit and hopes the district continues to succeed academically.
“We have great teachers, great staff and a great school board,” she said. “I think that is very motivating and helps students to succeed in everything they do. I am glad the governor was able to see that today.”
