Moniteau recognized as ‘Great Pennsylvania School’
CHERRY TWP — Moniteau School District, coming off winning its first varsity football game in two years and what administrators described as a successful first day of classes, is now recognized as being among the most well-performing districts in the state.
The district was recognized by the Pennsylvania School Board Association as a “Great Pennsylvania School” at its Monday, Aug. 25, board meeting. The award has been given to only 49 of the state’s approximately 500 public school districts.
Lena Hannah, a member of PSBA leadership, said the honor is meant to recognize schools that demonstrate a commitment to “academic rigor, community, resilience and financial health” during a presentation at the meeting
“Your students are both successful and challenged by the district’s curriculum, which drives student engagement,” Hannah said. “Innovative school programming, honors and awards celebrating student success foster a sense of belonging and connection to the school community. And robust extracurricular activities help the students develop as well-rounded individuals.”
The designation recognizes public school districts in Pennsylvania that meet criteria in four categories: providing students with access to rigorous programming, being community-centric, demonstrating financial well-being and displaying resilience.
Hannah presented Moniteau’s school board with a banner recognizing the school as a “Great Pennsylvania School.”
“As a former school board director, I know the work that it takes for a district, so we genuinely appreciate the work of the administrative team, the students, your families and staff, and the board,” Hannah said. “This is really a community award. It takes a community to do all of the things you see happen.”
“So much of the credit goes to our administrative team and to our teachers especially,” board president Michael Panza said. “Think about that, there are about 500 public school districts in Pennsylvania, and there’s only 49 that have this designation. This is something really great.”
Superintendent Aubrie Schnelle said the district had to go through an application process to be considered for the honor. Schnelle said it was exciting to see the hard work of Moniteau’s students pay off and be recognized.
“We're thrilled the PSBA is recognizing our district. Our students, staff and community members work hard every day to make Moniteau a wonderful place to learn, work and grow, and it's an honor that their time and effort are being acknowledged,” Schnelle said.
