Two Sheridan County School District 2 Schools Named National Distinguished Schools

Sheridan County School District No. 2 (SCSD2) is proud to announce that Henry A. Coffeen Elementary and John C. Schiffer Collaborative School have been selected as Wyoming’s two National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools for 2023.

Annually, each state selects two federally funded schools for this national honor in recognition of positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students.

Awarded schools are selected in one of three categories. John C. Schiffer Collaborative School was selected as a result of exceptional student performance and academic growth, and Henry A. Coffeen was selected for closing the achievement gap between identified student groups.

Scott Stults, SCSD2 Superintendent, shared that “We are excited and proud to celebrate these two schools for this prestigious award.

Having two schools from the same district recognized in the same year has never happened in Wyoming, making this even more significant. John C. Schiffer Collaborative School represents a community of learners, and the staff is committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience for their students.

They build relationships with students and support students to make whatever path they choose after high school a reality.

At Henry A. Coffeen Elementary the staff are committed to meeting the needs of every student and their intentional focus on student learning is unwavering.

They are also a Leader in Me School where they provide leadership skills and students are empowered in the areas of self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making.

In their congratulatory video, the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators stated: “Being named a National Distinguished School means your school represents a select group of schools from across the nation that have excelled in improving your students’ academic growth. Helping students make academic achievements does not come easily, but is created through challenging work and envisioning the possibilities, along with strong leadership, dedicated teachers and staff, and supportive parents and communities.”

Henry A. Coffeen principal, Paige Sanders, commented, “It is an honor to work alongside the staff at Henry A. Coffeen Elementary. Every member of our staff plays a critical role in supporting our students. They bring passion to their work and an unwavering devotion to helping students excel. We are grateful for the recognition, and even more grateful to work with our students and families.”

For Henry A. Coffeen, this award follows their recent recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Mike Swan, principal of John C. Schiffer Collaborative School, also expressed his appreciation for his staff and students. “Schiffer is truly a community of learners where every students’ strengths are honored. The staff at Schiffer cannot be matched and the power of their collective work is evident in our students’ growth. I want to congratulate our staff, students, and families for this honor.”

Both schools will be recognized in February at the 2024 National ESEA Conference in Portland, Oregon.

The SCSD2 Board of Trustees will also honor Henry A. Coffeen and John C. Schiffer at their December 4th meeting.

Along with Henry A. Coffeen and John C. Sciffer, Sagebrush Elementary, Sheridan Junior High School, and Woodland Park Elementary have previously been recognized as National Distinguished Schools in Sheridan County School District No. 2.