Magnet Schools of America (MSA) , a national organization representing more than 4,000 magnet schools and programs, has recognized Lincoln Elementary Magnet School and Marshall Middle Magnet School with Magnet Schools of Distinction Merit Awards for their commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful diversity efforts, specialized teaching staff and parent and community involvement.
Fifteen other Hillsborough County Public Schools earned the distinction, placing the county in sixth place in the nation for the number of schools receiving the honor.
It’s not the first time Lincoln won the distinction.“We’ve earned the award every year for at least a decade,” said Lincoln Elementary’s IB Coordinator Sarah Keel. “We’re excited to be recognized again this year for our distinction of teaching students not just academics but how to look at issues from different perspectives and be more internationally-minded.”
Keel said the award is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of the school, families and community. Parent Megan Haynes, whose children attend Lincoln, comes from a long line of educators and recognizes exceptional educational programs. “Lincoln promotes higher order thinking skills and problem solving strategies-engaging below level students to the most advanced students,” she said. “Also, as part of the IB Magnet curriculum, there’s a culminating activity at the end of each unit which asks the students to apply what they’ve learned to create a way to help the planet and/or community.” This gives purpose to learning and helps to make it relevant, she said.
Marshall Middle Magnet School Middle Years Programme Coordinator and Magnet Lead Teacher Kathy Webb said its the first year the school has earned the award. “As a newer magnet school that just earned authorization as an IB World School, we definitely had to have a lot of pieces in place to get recognized,” she said. Some of those pieces included cataloguing the positive things happening at the school, from hands-on learning to a band director that recently earned his PhD to the many clubs offered as an extension of learning. “All of these things have helped us earn this merit award,” she said.
Both schools have demonstrated tremendous commitment to students. “The teachers and staff at these top-tier Magnet Schools provide innovative and engaging educational environments along with unparalleled opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. “These impressive awards reward their hard work and determination, and I am thrilled that our students will continue to benefit from this rich tradition of excellence through our district’s Magnet Program.”
The schools will be recognized at an upcoming Board Recognition Meeting. For more information about Magnet Schools of America, visit www.magnet.edu.