Page 26 - TTWISummer2026

Leadership
Page 26 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Parkside Elementary Earns Prestigious 2026 National Gold Star Award

Card to the 93rd percentile over four years,
with student growth in the 2024–2025
school year exceeding 98.7% of elementary
schools statewide.
Parkside redesigned its daily schedule
to prioritize collaboration and instructional
improvement. Each grade level is provided a
protected 70–90 minute weekly data meeting,
facilitated by the principal and supported by
math, reading, special education, and English
language specialists. Weekly data meetings
and collaborative team planning meetings are
treated as non-negotiable priorities; nothing
else is scheduled during these times. This
structure ensures consistent focus on instruc-
tional planning, data analysis, and targeted
responses to student needs. orative teaching and learning are embedded
“We are incredibly proud of the Park- in daily practice to ensure the needs of every
side community,” added Matt Steinbarth, student are met.
Superintendent. “This national recognition NAESP’s National Gold Star School
®
reflects the strategic focus our district places
Parkside Elementary School, part of the enables high levels of achievement, closes on growing leadership at the building level (NGSS) program recognizes outstanding
Fond du Lac School District, has been named gaps, and equips students with the skills and to ensure high-quality learning outcomes for elementary and middle-level schools where
a 2026 National Gold Star School by the knowledge to determine their future. each and every student.” learning communities work collaboratively
National Association of Elementary School • Empowered People: Commitment to By maintaining a relentless focus on to grow and demonstrate a commitment to
Principals (NAESP). This honor recognizes collaborative teaching and holistic what matters most and aligning systems continuous improvement of performance.
schools that demonstrate outstanding leader- student support to that purpose, Parkside Elementary has For more information about the program go
ship, innovative instructional practices, and At Parkside Elementary, empower- created an environment where teaching and to https://www.naesp.org/programs/recogni-
a deep-seated dedication to student achieve- ing people is a cornerstone of our success learning thrive, resources are used effec- tion/ngss
ment. Parkside is part of an elite inaugural and sustained improvement. Our growth is tively, and students achieve extraordinary
cohort, being one of only 57 schools nation- driven by intentional systems that promote growth and success. Personalized and collab- www.fdlsd.org/o/pes
wide to receive this distinction, and one of personalized and collaborative teaching and
47 elementary schools. learning, distributed leadership, and com-
“This award is a testament to the prehensive support for the academic, social,
culture of excellence our staff and students emotional, and physical needs of both stu- 2026 Principals of the Year
build every single day,” said Amy Jahn, dents and adults.
Principal of Park- Personalized Continued from Page 25
side Elementary. and collaborative West De Pere. With more than two decades of tions and colleges, creating opportunities for
“Being recognized “Being recognized as a Gold Star teaching and learn- leadership at the school, he has built a strong students to earn college credit and explore
as a Gold Star ing are embedded culture of collaboration, high expectations, career pathways through programs like the
School validates School validates our commitment to in daily practice. and continuous improvement that has driven Trades Career Academy and healthcare certi-
our commitment to creating an environment where every Leadership team sustained student success. fications.
creating an environ- child feels supported and inspired to members are inten- Under Gerke’s leadership, West De A strong advocate for shared leader-
ment where every reach their full potential .” tionally developed Pere High School has consistently earned an ship, Gerke established a Faculty Council
child feels sup- to facilitate and “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Wiscon- that empowers teachers to play a central role
ported and inspired — Amy Jahn guide grade-level sin State Report Card and maintains a nearly in school decision making and continuous
to reach their full Parkside Elementary Principal teams through the 100 percent graduation rate. The school has improvement. His commitment to professional
potential.” elements of data- also been recognized by U.S. News & World learning and collaboration has helped foster a
The National Gold Star Schools driven instruction, including unit planning Report and ranked among the top high schools culture in which staff feel supported, valued,
program evaluates schools based on the and the identification of priority standards. in Wisconsin. and focused on improving outcomes for all
three core pillars: This leadership capacity ensures instruc- “Dr. Gerke is an exceptional leader who students.
• Established Culture: Focus on tional alignment and coherence across the has dedicated his career to serving students Gerke has served as principal of West De
shared values and family engage- school. Teams share responsibility for the and building a culture of excellence at West Pere High School since 2004, after previously
ment development and implementation of 90-day De Pere High School,” said West De Pere serving as associate principal. He holds a doc-
Engagement and communication with plans, creating collective ownership of Superintendent Jason Lau. “His focus on col- torate and a master’s degree in educational
families and the community were strength- goals, action steps, and outcomes. laboration, innovation, and meeting the needs leadership.
ened through a renewed commitment • Optimal Systems: Strategic use of of all learners has had a lasting impact on our “On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to con-
to relationships built on trust, transpar- resources to drive student growth students, staff, and community.” gratulate Russ Gerke on being named the 2026
ency, and shared responsibility for student Parkside Elementary has established Gerke has led the development of inno- Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year,”
success. By fostering predictable classroom optimal systems that maximize effec- vative programs that expand opportunities for said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch.
environments and maintaining consistent tive teaching and learning by intentionally students and support diverse learning needs. “His dedication to students, staff, and commu-
communication, Parkside ensured caregivers aligning talent, resources, district support, These include alternative education pathways, nity, along with his commitment to continuous
were partners in learning and growth. and community partnerships around what such as West Academy, co-taught “Align” improvement, exemplifies outstanding school
Through clarity of purpose, intentional matters most: student growth and achieve- courses that support inclusive instruction, leadership.”
collaboration, and a steadfast commitment ment. These systems have driven exceptional and targeted interventions like Math Seminar
to well-being, Parkside Elementary has outcomes, including movement from the 6th to strengthen foundational skills. He has also
established a strong, sustainable culture that percentile on the Wisconsin School Report built strong partnerships with local organiza- www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us