Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction names local districts amongst High Impact Schools

NORTHEAST WIS. – The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) honored schools on April 21 with their Schools of Recognition program for exceptional efforts during the 2024 - 2025 school year.

A total of 95 schools were recognized, with 71 named as High Impact Schools. This included Gillett Elementary School, Gillett Middle School and Pembine Elementary School.

Since 2003, the Schools of Recognition Program has recognized Title 1 schools for student growth and achievement. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, Title 1 funding provides additional financial resources to school districts with low-income families.

Within this program, High Impact Schools are those “serving a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students [that] have above-average achievement when compared to similarly situated schools,” a release on the DPI website stated.

Staff members at the Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine (BDP) School District explained the work they put in towards receiving the award, “To earn this distinction, the school met a rigorous set of criteria established by the DPI, including strong academic performance and measurable progress in student growth. The award also recognizes the school’s success in reducing achievement gaps, particularly among students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

According to the 2024 - 2025 Pembine Elementary School report card from the DPI, 66.9% of students were identified as economically disadvantaged.
Superintendent Linda Stankevich said, “Being recognized as a High Impact School is a significant milestone for our district. It reflects our core mission of ensuring that every student, regardless of their economic background, has the resources and support needed to thrive academically. This award is a direct result of our focused efforts to close achievement gaps and prioritize student growth at every level.”

Pembine Elementary School has received this honor for two consecutive years and was the only school in Marinette County to be named as a High Impact School.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their commitment to excellence. This recognition reflects the hard work and support of our entire school community — including educators, families and students,” BDP Principal Vince Czahor shared.

In Oconto County, Gillett Elementary and Gillett Middle School were the only schools to receive this award.

“This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and families,” explained secondary school principal Shawn Limberg and elementary school principal Amy McKeefry.

They continued, “Our team has been deeply committed to providing high-quality instruction, building strong relationships, and using data to ensure every student continues to grow academically and socially. We have placed a strong focus on targeted interventions, collaboration among staff and creating a supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.”

According to the 2024 - 2025 Gillett School District report card from the DPI, 60.5% of students were identified as economically disadvantaged.

“Being recognized as a High Impact School is especially meaningful because it highlights the progress our students are making and the positive impact of our collective efforts. We are proud of this accomplishment and remain committed to continuous improvement and supporting every learner in our school community,” Limberg and McKeefry concluded.

For more information about the Wisconsin Schools of Recognition program or to view a full list of this year’s honorees, visit the DPI website at https://dpi.wi.gov/schools-of-recognition.