Brookfield East, Central Win ACT Legacy Awards

Elmbrook's high ACT test scores and participation rates were honored Tuesday as and high schools both received national ACT Red Quill Legacy awards.

Phil Daniel, with the ACT Midwest Region, presented the awards at Tuesday's School Board meeting.

"This district continues to expand and improve and your ACT scores are off the charts," Daniel said.

Newly created this year, the award by the non-profit ACT organization strives to recognize educational institutions that have "have consistently taken a leadership role in the use of ACT programs and services for the benefit of their students and community," Elmbrook Superintendent Matt Gibson wrote to the School Board.

Gibson noted at the meeting that Brookfield Central and East's average composite ACT score of 25 was the highest ever for the district. But even more important, he said, was that it was done with Elmbrook lodging the state's second-highest student participation in ACT testing: 87 percent of students took the exam.

"To have done that with 87 percent participation, that really creates... bragging rights for these schools," he said.

To be considered for the new legacy award, qualifying schools must demonstrate a "long-term commitment to increased student achievement" through effective use of testing and data, and the schools must have received the ACT's annual Red Quill Award in multiple years. That award is based on high ACT test scores and commitment to student achievement and success.

Perennial Red Quill Winners

Brookfield East won the Red Quill in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Brookfield Central won the Red Quill in 2009 and 2010.

Daniels joked that the perhaps the Legacy award should be renamed "the Red Quill schools that don't rest on their laurels."

Brookfield Central Principal Don LaBonte and East Principal Dan Pavletich thanked parents, teachers, students and the community for its support of education.

Pavletich said it is a "collaborative effort" that includes hard work in the elementary and middle schools.

LaBonte said the district prides itself on its data-based decision-making. "I'd like to thank the whole community for their support of the schools and the students for their work," he said.

School Board President Tom Gehl said all should recognize that the annual recognitions are unique and "not normative" throughout the state.

"Congratulations to the schools and the staff," he said. "It's something the community should take some collective joy and pride in."