11/26/2024
Big News! We are very proud of our students, staff and families!
Press Release: Ticasuk Brown Elementary School Earns National Recognition as ESEA Distinguished School
FAIRBANKS–The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is pleased to announce that Ticasuk Brown Elementary School has been named a National ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Distinguished School by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. This distinction marks Ticasuk Brown as one out of 100 schools across the nation being recognized for their academic excellence. Only two schools per state can be named each year.
Ticasuk Brown was selected for the ESEA Category 1 Award for exceptional student performance over two consecutive years. This recognition highlights Ticasuk Brown's outstanding student performance in Reading, Math, and Science.
“Ticasuk Brown Elementary School exemplifies what is possible through dedication, collaboration, and a relentless focus on student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert. “Their tremendous growth and commitment to educational excellence are a source of pride for our entire district. I applaud the Ticasuk Brown community for their hard work and leadership in creating an environment where students thrive and achieve at the highest levels.”
At Ticasuk Brown, teachers strategically employed data to design a targeted Walk to Read program including differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students at each skill level. This collaborative effort fostered collective staff efficacy in reading; uniting teachers and paraprofessionals in a shared commitment to student achievement.
Principal Catherine Pusch shared, “Our school community's commitment to science of reading based instruction, small-group support, and family involvement has empowered our students to soar to new heights of achievement.”
Located near North Pole, Ticasuk Brown was built in 1987 and serves approximately 370 students in preschool through fifth grade, with 60 full-time and part-time staff members. The school was designated a Title I school in Fall 2022, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality education to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2023, Ticasuk Brown also received the Purple Star School Designation for its outstanding support of military families and students.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievements of their students.
The last time a FNSBSD school received National ESEA recognition was in 2023 when Arctic Light Elementary received the ESEA Category 3 Award.
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