We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our clients who have been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) in 2024. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work have earned well-deserved accolades, including the Golden Achievement Award for exemplary work in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement, as well as the Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards for excellence in educational publications, multimedia materials, and digital communication. Join us in congratulating them for their remarkable contributions to education and communication!
CEL-ebrating 2024 NSPRA Award Winners
Golden Achievement Award Winners
The Golden Achievement Award honors exceptional efforts in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement. Each entry meets the highest standards of excellence.
Richfield Public Schools
In November 2023, Richfield Public Schools successfully passed a two-question referendum, renewing its technology levy and doubling its operating levy. The campaign was remarkable for its extensive community engagement and overwhelming voter support, with 81.3% approving the technology levy and 72.5% supporting the operating levy increase. Emphasizing alignment with the district’s strategic plan, the campaign celebrated achievements, focused on students, and reinforced public trust, ultimately securing $90 million over the next ten years and stabilizing district finances.
Osseo Area Schools
Osseo Area Schools, Minnesota’s fifth-largest district, successfully passed a bond referendum aimed at addressing safety, teaching, and space needs for its growing student population. The Building a Better Future Phase II campaign was grounded in extensive research to inform goals, timelines, and messaging strategies. Key objectives included raising awareness among staff, parents, and the community, resulting in a successful voter turnout. With a history of successful funding initiatives, the district’s effective communication strategy gained 61.36% approval, securing essential funding for school improvements.
Bloomington Public Schools
Bloomington Public Schools (BPS) aimed to elevate its computer science education in 2022. Through a strategic communications plan, BPS claimed its position as Minnesota’s leader in K-12 Computer Science Education, emphasizing its high-quality programs and essential role in diverse industries. The plan focused on repositioning computer science for all students, leveraging partnerships with local STEM entities and the University of Minnesota. By engaging stakeholders through events, digital marketing, and community initiatives, BPS successfully raised awareness and increased enrollment. With expanded opportunities for students, BPS has not only solidified its reputation in computer science education but also influenced state funding and policy support for expanding Computer Science Education across Minnesota.
Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) launched a strategic initiative in 2023 to enhance awareness and access to school-based mental health services. Branded as “5 to Thrive,” the campaign simplified messaging, increased awareness of resources, and improved student access to mental health support for over 25,000 students and 6,380 staff. Through collaboration with the MMSD mental health and communications teams, the initiative aimed to streamline processes, eliminate jargon, and provide comprehensive toolkits for school staff. By aligning with district goals and leveraging a proactive approach to mental well-being, MMSD is fostering a healthier school environment.
NSPRA Superintendents to Watch, Dr. Eric Melbye and Dr. Nate Rudolph
Dr. Eric Melbye, superintendent of Bloomington Public Schools, excels in using innovative technology to enhance communication and engagement within the school community. Actively involved in local organizations, Dr. Melbye prioritizes transparent, two-way communication with all stakeholders. His leadership in developing the district’s strategic plan underscores his commitment to collaboration and community involvement, distinguishing him as a leader dedicated to helping students thrive and dreams come alive.
Dr. Nate Rudolph, superintendent of Cambridge-Isanti Schools, prioritizes relationships and consistently emphasizes the district’s mission and the impact of education on young lives. His leadership fosters a deep sense of purpose among staff and within the community. His dedication to community and staff engagement and proactive communication practices make him a standout leader, committed to educating, empowering, and inspiring every student, every day.
School Communicator of the Year Finalist, Dirk Tedmon
Dirk Tedmon, executive director of marketing and communications at Eden Prairie Schools, was named Minnesota’s inaugural School Communicator of the Year. His innovative approach has helped highlight the district’s achievements and impact on students, families, and community members alike. We celebrate Dirk’s well-deserved recognition and cheer him on as a finalist at the NSPRA Seminar in Bellevue, Washington in July!
Congratulations to all of our clients for their exceptional achievements. Their success is a testament to their commitment to excellence in education and communication. Here’s to continued innovation and success in the years to come!
Publications & Digital Media Awards
The Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards recognize outstanding work in educational publications, multimedia materials, and digital communication, celebrating innovation and impact in school communications and public relations.
We love working with clients on their award-winning ideas and projects. Ranging from excellence in writing to video production, our collaborations have produced award-winning annual reports, newsletters, marketing campaigns, website redesigns, and engaging multimedia content. Our clients’ achievements in school communications and public relations demonstrate the power of creativity and dedication in making a significant impact in their communities. A special shoutout to our MinnSPRA friends who also won numerous awards!
Annual Report
Hopkins Public Schools, Hopkins, Minnesota
Report to the Community: Our 5-Year Progress on Vision 2031
Merit
White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
2023 Annual Update
Merit
Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wisconsin
Annual Report on the Strategic Framework
Honorable Mention
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Annual Report
Honorable Mention
Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, California
2023 Annual Report
Honorable Mention
Branding/Image Package
Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Inspired Journey + Pathways Branding
Merit
Calendar
White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
2023-24 Activities Calendar
Merit
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Annual Calendar 2023-24
Honorable Mention
Excellence in Writing
Hopkins Public Schools, Hopkins, Minnesota
West Junior High Transforms into Community School
Excellence
Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wisconsin
An Education for Generations: How Maria Del Rosario Covarrubias Impacted MMSD
Excellence
Senior Spotlight: Tomas Gonzalez Reflects on Childhood in Chile as he Heads to Harvard
Excellence
Facilities and Funding Fueling Future Referenda Considerations
Excellence
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Getting to Know Minnetonka’s New Superintendent
Excellence
Minnetonka Theatre and Unified Club Collaborate to Host Sensory-Friendly Sound of Music Performance
Excellence
Richfield Public Schools, Richfield, Minnesota
The Spartan Crew: Supporting New Students
Excellence
White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Embracing Change 2023 Convocation
Excellence
Osseo Area Schools, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Grad Spotlight: Keelie Sorensen
Merit
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
Unified gym class connects students through activity
Merit
Osseo Area Schools, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Graduate Spotlight: Forensic Science Supervisor Steven Swenson
Honorable Mention
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
Teaching Thanksgiving
Honorable Mention
Infographic
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
2023 Enrollment Fact Sheet
Excellence
Magazine
Benilde-St. Margaret’s School, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Crown & Shield Summer 2023
Merit
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Minnetonka Alumni Magazine 2023
Merit
Marketing Material
Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Kindergarten Passport Campaign
Excellence
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Fountain, Colorado
New Soldier Packet Flier
Excellence
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
HR Campaign for Diverse Hiring
Excellence
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
RPathways Brochure
Excellence
Spring 2023 Community Mailer
Excellence
Newsletter
Anoka-Hennepin Schools, Anoka, Minnesota
Back to school FOCUS e-newsletter
Excellence
Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Excellence in Newsletters: Eden Prairie Schools Staff Post
Excellence
Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wisconsin
MMSD Connect
Excellence
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Around Minnetonka School News Postcard 2023-24
Excellence
Osseo Area Schools, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Insider e-newsletter
Excellence
Connect e-newsletter
Excellence
Osseo Area Schools: Community Education, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Community Education Staff E-newsletter
Excellence
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
‘We R All In’ DEI e-newsletter
Merit
Richfield Public Schools, Richfield, Minnesota
RPS Staff Newsletters
Honorable Mention
Podcast
Hopkins Public Schools, Hopkins, Minnesota
Inside Hopkins
Merit
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Ahoy, Minnetonka! Podcast Episode 11: Tech & Safety Efforts
Merit
Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, California
What’s Brewing in Education EP 11: Attendance Matters Podcast/Video
Honorable Mention
Social Media
Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie Schools, Minnesota
Social Media Communication Campaign: EP Online, Minnesota’s Best Online School
Honorable Mention
Special Purpose Publication
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196, Rosemount, Minnesota
2024 Legislative Priorities
Excellence
San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, California
Building Community Together Program
Excellence
Richfield Public Schools, Richfield, Minnesota
Your Schools: Community Update
Merit
White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Fall 2023 Bear’s Bulletin
Merit
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Capital Projects Levy Informational Mailer
Honorable Mention
Video Series (produced in-house)
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Fountain, Colorado
Fantastic Faces of FFC8 video series
Excellence
San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, California
Augmented Reality Posters for SDCOE Innovation Center
Excellence
White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
The Week in 62.4 Seconds videos
Excellence
San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, California
I Choose My Future: Educating Students About Drugs and Drug Misuse
Merit
Video Series (produced with a contractor)
Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, California
Every Day Counts Attendance Matters Video Commercials
Excellence
Anoka-Hennepin Schools, Anoka, Minnesota
Elementary School Spotlight videos
Merit
Video (produced in-house)
Bloomington Public Schools, Bloomington, Minnesota
Let’s Be Honest: Tackling Youth Substance Use
Excellence
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Fountain, Colorado
Big Picture Learning at Welte Education Center
Excellence
Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wisconsin
MMSD’s Tyrone Reese Adds Flavor to School Meals, One Dish at a Time
Excellence
A Custodian’s Three Decades of Dedication Creates Family at Nuestro Mundo
Excellence
Amid Bus Driver Shortage, MMSD Principal Goes an Extra Mile
Merit
Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, Minnesota
“Grand Friends” Senior Volunteer Spotlight Video
Merit
Video (produced with a contractor)
Anoka-Hennepin Schools, Anoka, Minnesota
Back to School video: The Power of Purpose
Excellence
Osseo Area Schools, Maple Grove, Minnesota
It’s Fun to Go Out and VOTE
Robbinsdale Area Schools, New Hope, Minnesota
Celebrating the Robbinsdale Area Schools Class of 2023
Merit
Learn more: Plymouth Middle School
Merit
Osseo Area Schools, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Holding Space with Dr. Hiel
Honorable Mention
Website
Minnetonka Public Schools, Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Capital Projects Levy Website
Excellence
Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, California
Stanislaus County Office of Education Website Redesign
Excellence
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Fountain, Colorado
New Family Information Hub
Merit
Cambridge-Isanti Schools, Cambridge, Minnesota
C-I Schools Website
Honorable Mention
Published on: June 26, 2024