Kehrs Mill Elementary a Finalist in Inaugural ‘Louies’ Awards Program

Kehrs Mill Elementary is one of 10 finalists in the math category of the inaugural “The Louies” award program, presented by the Gateway to Success Foundation in order to recognize high-performing schools in St. Louis city and county.

“Our teachers work really hard to implement the curriculum with the best practices,” said Kehrs Mill Principal Dr. Beth Sciarratta. “It’s wonderful to be recognized at the St. Louis level for our high scores and the work our teachers put into it. They bring in coaches and work really hard to learn the curriculum and implement it with fidelity. I am so proud of them.”

All finalists receive a $5,000 award, with five winners in each category – math and language arts – receiving a $15,000 prize. Winning schools will be announced Feb. 20 at the St. Louis Public Library.

A partnership with the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University, “The Louies” identifies academic institutions that demonstrate the most year-over-year improvement in student performance in math and English language arts for grades three to eight.

“To strengthen our region, we need to do more to highlight and celebrate success in St. Louis. Public education, in particular, is an area that could use more attention and recognition,” said Mike Dierberg, co-founder of the Gateway to Success Foundation. “The schools being recognized as Louie finalists and awardees are raising the bar while pointing the way for other schools to improve student performance.  We are excited to shine a light on their success.”

Kehrs Mill routinely earns top marks in regional and national rankings, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it among the top 2 percent of all elementary schools in the state in October and Niche.com ranking it among the top 1 percent of state public elementary schools – and top 2 percent nationally – a month earlier.

Sciarratta said the Louies prize money will go back toward supporting the school’s outstanding students and staff.

“The teachers here have a passion for teaching. It’s really fun to watch and be a part of,” she said. “They are constantly pushing each other as teams, teammates and PLCs (professional learning communities), really walking the walk. They are wonderful. I am very honored to be working alongside these teachers and proud to be at Kehrs Mill.”