Southeast Polk is proud to announce that Mitchellville Elementary is one of three schools in Iowa to be nominated for the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award from the U.S. Department of Education. Mitchellville Elementary is one of a group of elementary, middle, and high schools recognized for achieving academic excellence and/or closing the achievement gap. Nominations are passed to the U.S. Department of Education from the top educational officer in the state.

The purpose of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is to spread word of teaching practices and best school leadership. Since 1982, the program has identified schools in which students uphold outstanding academic goals.

The award recognizes Mitchellville’s student achievement and, through that recognition, the achievement of Mitchellville’s staff of educators. Craig Menozzi, Superintendent at Southeast Polk Schools, sums up the district’s attitude in a recent message to district staff: “I have always felt that you can never underestimate what a group of caring and committed adults can do for children. I extend on behalf of the Board of Education a word of congratulations to Joe Nelson, Principal, and his staff.”