Freedom celebrates its "A" report card with State Supt. Hofmeister
Posted on 02/07/2020
Freedom Elementary(SPS) -- State Superintendent of Instruction Joy Hofmeister visited Freedom Elementary Friday to attend the school’s Grade A Celebration.

Students and staff gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate their efforts for earning an "A" on the State Report Card for the 2018-2019 school year. They were joined by parents, Sapulpa School Board members, district administration, principals from other SPS schools, community members, media, and the state superintendent.

"You're doing something special here and we want to model that," said Supt. Hofmeister.

Freedom Elementary improved on its "B" from the previous year, and in so doing, it was one of just two elementary schools in northeast Oklahoma to receive a top score.

"You have amazing, amazing teachers and leaders who are taking a lot of effort and work to meet each and every one of you right where you are and to guide you in each grade month after month after month," said Supt. Hofmeister as she addressed the students.

Joy Hofmeister

Superintendent Rob Armstrong and Asst. Superintendent Johnny Bilby recognized the entire Freedom staff, from the teachers to support employees to Principal Alison Owens for their efforts. Each was brought up on stage and given a certificate of appreciation.

Rob Armstrong, Alison Owens, Johnny Bilby

"Each day I'm grateful to work with amazing and dedicated educators of which I'm surrounded," said Supt. Armstrong. "Thank you for all that you do for our students. You inspire me."

The Oklahoma State Department of Education released its 2018-2019 report during the week of Thanksgiving.

The report gives grades for indicators of Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, English Language Proficiency Progress, Chronic Absenteeism, and an Overall Grade for elementary schools.

In addition to the "A" Freedom earned overall, the school also aced Academic Achievement and Academic Growth. It received a "B" in English Language Proficiency Progress and Chronic Absenteeism.

"Thank you for being a part of our success here at Freedom and for believing in yourselves that you will be successful," said Mr. Armstrong as he addressed the students. "Thank you for working hard and making this celebration very special."

Rob Armstrong, Alison Owens, Joy Hofmeister

"You are a school that others can look to and learn from and bring that same success to their schools all across the state," said Hofmeister. 

Principal Owens was also presented a new banner signifying Freedom as a Great Expectations Model School.

Great Expectations banner

Also, during the assembly, Principal Owens and Superintendent Hofmeister announced that the school had been nominated as a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. Freedom is just one of six Oklahoma schools nominated by the national program.

Coverage of the celebration:
Tulsa World
News on 6