Story & Photography Provided by Center Grove Community School Corporation
Sugar Grove Elementary School in Greenwood is among 353 schools in the nation and 11 in Indiana named 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Education on September 19. This prestigious award is designed to affirm the hard work of students, educators, families and communities who have created safe and welcoming schools where students thrive.
Sugar Grove Principal Kristin Rodman surprised her staff with the news at a staff meeting. “I am so proud of our Sugar Grove Bulldogs, and the work that our staff and students put in every day,” said Rodman. “Over the last three years I have watched our staff overcome a lot of obstacles, try new strategies and implement best practices for all of our students. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a recognition for our staff, students and community that we are doing good things in this building. This is such an honor that will push us to keep moving forward for all of our current and future Bulldogs.”
“We are incredibly proud of the great work we see every day by Principal Kristin Rodman, Assistant Principal Mindy VanderVeen, and their dedicated teachers and staff,” said Rich Arkanoff, Ed.D., superintendent for the Center Grove Community School Corporation. “Sugar Grove has experienced a lot of growth and changes in the families they serve over the last few years. They have met those challenges with care, compassion and devotion to helping their students succeed.”
Sugar Grove is being recognized by the Department of Education, based on its overall academic performance, as an Exemplary High Performing school. Exemplary High Performing schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
