2014
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NBRS Badge for Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School

Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School - Quenemo, KS

Fifth grade students participating in a math intervention activity.

Fifth grade students participating in a math intervention activity.

Marais des Cygnes Elementary is a traditional elementary school with grades preschool and kindergarten through 5th. The Marais des Cygnes Valley District, U.S.D. #456, is located in Northeast Kansas. It is a consolidated district that included the three communities of Melvern, Quenemo, and Olivet.
The staff analyzed the data for student achievement in 2006 and made a commitment to improve the performance of all students. At this time, 56% of the students were scoring at the proficiency level set by the State of Kansas. The staff collaborated to examine the data, and research a plan to improve student performance. The plan chosen was a Multi-Tier System of Supports.
Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary began to see results in their test scores very soon after a revised curriculum and the multi-tier system of supports was implemented. Beginning in 2011, and all subsequent years thereafter, the school has achieved 100% proficiency on the Kansas State Assessments. The school has been recognized as meeting the Standard of Excellence criteria, in at least one category, as established by the Kansas Department of Education, for reading or math since the year 2007 and has achieved Standard of Excellence in all eight categories for 2012 and 2013. Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School has also received the Governor’s Award of Excellence for three consecutive years.
The level of success achieved by the students has come from the extraordinary amount of effort provided by the students, teachers, staff and community support.

2014 Awardee

Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School

213 North 8th
Quenemo, KS, 66528-9760

(785) 759-3512

Principal at time of Nomination:
Ms. Twila Marie Wollenberg

Title I School

Marais des Cygnes Valley

Rural

School Website

Mission

The mission statement of Unified School District U.S.D. #456 and Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary is to ensure that all students can learn essential skills. Our students will develop creativity, curiosity, responsibility, and respect. We will promote physical, mental and emotional well-being in all students. As a staff, we will establish strong lines of communication between staff, parents, and community to achieve our mission.

Student Demographics

  • Black/African American: 8%
  • Hispanic: 4%
  • White: 88%
  • Economically Disadvantaged: 79%
  • Application