Fairbanks, Alaska (KINY) – Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) Dr. Deena Bishop announced that Arctic Light Elementary School in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators that publicly recognizes schools for their positive educational services. It highlights the efforts of schools across the country to make significant improvements for their students.
Arctic Light Elementary School was recognized for outstanding performance in Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students, specifically English learners.
Arctic Light Elementary School is a Title I school serving a diverse population of military-connected students that come from all over the globe. The English learners (ELs) currently enrolled at Arctic Light represent nine different language backgrounds.
Arctic Light Elementary School is a designated 2022-2025 Purple Star School which recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. The school prioritizes social and emotional learning (SEL) and ongoing communication, particularly because of its demographic of military-connected children.
Arctic Light Elementary School has also implemented a Walk to Read (WTR) program which connects English learner students with their non-English learner peers.
“Arctic Light Elementary School is well-deserving of this prestigious recognition. Their commitment to excellence in education shines brightly, inspiring us all. We wish them a heartfelt congratulations,” said Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop.
