Northfield Middle School named National Blue Ribbon School; principal outlines goals for SEL, safety and staff support

Principal Greg Gielena told the Northfield Public School Board on Oct. 14 that Northfield Middle School had been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School and outlined priorities for the 2025–26 school year including social-emotional learning (SEL), student safety and strengthening staff support structures.

“Last spring, I was notified that Northfield Middle School had been selected as National Blue Ribbon School and not only were we selected as a National Blue Ribbon School, but we were selected in the 2 areas that they gave this award to,” Gielena said. He told the board the school was recognized as an "exemplary high performing school" and as an "exemplary closing the gap achievement school," and that the U.S. Department of Education canceled the national recognition program for this year but the Minnesota Department of Education planned state-level recognition for awarded schools.

Gielena highlighted student-connection metrics and extracurricular participation: 76% of students reported feeling connected to at least one adult and 84% said they were excited to attend at least one class. He reported 302 students enrolled in fall extracurricular activities this season and noted strong staff retention — about 42% of teachers at the middle school have 20 or more years of experience and 63% have 10 or more years.

Gielena described three goals: raise the share of students meeting academic standards toward an 80% target tied to adult instructional behaviors; create a more uniform SEL curriculum and measurement using the SSIS tool; and aim for caregiver-reported confidence that rules are enforced consistently and that the school provides a safe environment. He provided caregiver-survey baselines: 3.72 out of 5 on “rules are enforced consistently” and 4.15 out of 5 on “school provides a safe environment.”

Board members and the district leader praised the recognition. A district official said the selection was a significant affirmation of the middle school’s work to reduce the achievement gap and that the district would work with the Minnesota Department of Education on recognition plans.

Gielena said the school will continue to emphasize visible adult presence in common areas and classrooms and to refine the citizenship handbook to ensure consistent, caring enforcement. He also said the staff will continue to build on the district’s strategic commitments to improve outcomes.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the update will guide site-level planning and district support priorities.