Teachers in the Argos School Corporation were recognized Thursday afternoon for their efforts in the corporation’s achievement in receiving the Advanced Placement Recognition Award.
While most of the Advanced Placement classes are in the upper grade levels, Superintendent Ned Speicher said it takes every teacher to achieve this honor.
“The fact that Argos Schools continues to excel, continues to get the job done, continues to stay open, continues to care for children and provide education, it’s a tremendous compliment to all of you within this room. This is the award: ‘The State of Indiana recognizes Argos Community Jr./Sr. High School for significant achievement in Advanced Placement student success and access.’ We’re just rocking out of the park, the percentage of kids that have access to Advanced Placement classes and college credit.”
Argos Jr./Sr. High School Principal Nick Medich accepted the award on behalf of the school when it was handed out September 23. He said Argos is up to over 40 percent of seniors who have graduated with an AP credit or passing score.
“We expect a lot out of every student,” said Medich. “No one gets a free pass to not try. I respect you guys for that and I know it’s exhausting sometimes, but I think you guys truly have every student’s best interest at heart. I’m glad to work with you guys and I’m glad you guys keep pushing everybody forward.”
This is the second recognition the corporation has received. In 2020, Argos Community Schools was a finalist for Affiliate of the Year in the University of Notre Dame’s Advanced Placement Teacher Investment Program.
Jonathan Arndt, Jr./Sr. High School Math teacher and 2019 AP Teacher of the Year, said he was asked how Argos is successful by Trevor Packer, the head of the College Board.
Arndt stated, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. What I mean by that is it’s all of you, all of us, our parents…the culture that we create pushes these kids for excellence.”
Kindergarten Teacher Tory Watson said the foundational skills and character are built at the elementary level.
“Whether it’s in my kindergarten class or my kids are talking about building their dreams and things like that all the way up to fifth grade where they’re looking at those things they want to do in middle school and setting those goals and aspirations, I think we are all working in making sure we’re building that culture and looking forward as a group together,” said Watson.
Speicher congratulated the teachers on a job well done. They were treated to ice cream during the recognition event.
