A few years ago a group of superintendents started an academic conference. We now compare our achievement to seven other schools that have similar demographics to ours: Affton, Bayless, Ferguson Florissant, Hancock Place, Ritenour, University City, and Valley Park. We compare the number of students who place in proficient and advanced levels on the MAP test and give out ribbons to classes who rank first, second, and third. We honor all of the students in those classes and their teachers at the Academic Celebration. We also give individual ribbons to students who have scored in the top levels of the tests.

This year was terrific because two of our students, Khemal Johnson and Ashley Brown, spoke to the assembly about their own perspective on academic achievement. These two students were articulate and passionate about why their schooling takes such a priority in their lives. I was proud to see them serve as such amazing role models for our students.

During the program we viewed a great slide show highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things; we handed out ribbons; and we played “Achieve Ball,” a game we made up to remind students that achievement for all is a team effort. The game used six huge 42-inch balloons that the students had to move from the bottom of the bleachers to the top. If you can imagine these giant balls bouncing all over the gym and 800 students yelling advice at the top of their lungs, you have some idea of what a wild and wonderful time it was. The students all loved it...and learned a little lesson at the same time.