Balloons, cheers, and big news! Deer Park Elementary just earned a truly unique global honor, becoming one of fewer than five Kagan Model Schools worldwide. What does this mean for student learning and engagement? You won’t believe the innovative ways they’re transforming education and empowering every student to thrive!

In a momentous celebration that saw black, pink, and teal balloons descend upon an eager student body, Deer Park Elementary, a proud institution within Daviess County Public Schools, has officially achieved the rare and distinguished Kagan Model School designation. This prestigious recognition underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to pioneering innovative pedagogical approaches that fundamentally transform the learning experience for every student.

The Kagan Model School distinction is not merely an honorary title; it represents a rigorous accreditation process for educational institutions that have profoundly embraced and successfully implemented cooperative learning structures. These proven methodologies are meticulously designed to significantly boost student engagement, elevate academic achievement, and foster crucial collaborative skills essential for future success in an interconnected world.

Kristin Atwell, the current principal at Deer Park Elementary, lauded the foundational work laid by her predecessor, long-time Principal Robin Nalley, in initiating the school’s journey towards this remarkable accreditation. Atwell highlighted Nalley’s vision in embedding the cooperative learning framework deeply into the school’s culture, paving the way for this global recognition.

Addressing the jubilant assembly of students, Atwell emphasized the exclusivity of their achievement, proudly stating that Deer Park stands among fewer than five Kagan Model Schools across the entire globe. This extraordinary feat places the Daviess County school at the forefront of educational innovation, serving as a beacon for cooperative learning structures worldwide and inspiring other schools to pursue similar levels of educational excellence.

Principal Atwell further elucidated the profound significance of becoming a Kagan Model School, explaining that these institutions transcend the conventional focus on merely obtaining correct answers. Instead, they champion holistic student growth, cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, thereby empowering learners in a multitude of intellectual and social dimensions.

The celebratory event visually showcased the impact of these innovative structures, with students enthusiastically displaying pink and blue paper signs. Each sign proudly featured their favorite Kagan Learning Cooperative Structures, including widely recognized examples such as “RallyRobin,” “RallyCoach,” and “RoundRobin,” demonstrating their deep understanding and active participation in these engaging educational methodologies.

“This achievement is about more than a title — it represents our commitment to ensuring that all students have opportunities to collaborate, think critically and succeed together,” affirmed Atwell, encapsulating the ethos of the school’s dedication. To further commemorate this milestone and reinforce the principles of cooperative learning, students were promised an afternoon of fun, silly sports and hands-on activities, setting aside traditional Chromebooks and pencils to engage with the very structures that brought them global acclaim.