The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Education system recognized as National Innovative District
MIDDLETOWN — Middletown Public Schools has been named a National Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education making MPS one of only a select few recognized districts across the country for 2020.
Middletown Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner, along with other members of the district’s grants, innovation and academic teams, will accept the honor at the Connect with Courage National Model Schools Conference, in Orlando, Fla., in late June, according to a press release.
“I am thrilled for our district. It recognizes the tremendous work our team has done, and to borrow a phrase ‘innovate by design,’ to push the envelope and not accept things as they are or have been, but to think big and to go for it, on behalf of our kids,” Conner said in a prepared statement.
“We are seeing the academic fruit of the seeds we’ve planted over the last two and half years. Maker spaces, which sponsor creativity in learning at our elementary schools, an innovation hub planned for our new middle school, teaching and learning across the entire district, supplemented by new digital technologies and progressive approaches,” Conner added.
“All of it, adds up to success, and we know, success only breeds more success,” he said.
The June conference is host to over 5,000 educators and nearly 300 professional development sessions on variety of educational topics, the release added. It showcases Model Schools and Innovative Districts, like Middletown, that have seen rapid improvement and transformation in student learning.
In addition to receiving their awards, the named 2020 innovative school districts, including the MPS team, will present the innovative measures that have been implemented and the corresponding student growth that has been achieved.
Middletown School Board Chairwoman Deborah Cain also praised the achievement.
“It’s really a recognition for every teacher and staff member working with all our students across the whole district. This makes me very happy so see and hear. As board chair, I know the hard work and dedication Dr. Conner and the entire district has shown, toward not only achieving academically, but to ensuring all our students have the latest innovative tools and approaches at their disposal, to grow and learn,” Cain said.
The Middletown Public Schools serves over 4,500 students with nearly 1,200 faculty, paraprofessionals, student-centered staff and administrators dedicated to unlocking the potential for all students.