By Brandi Makuski

For the second time in seven years, a Stevens Point Area Catholic School has been awarded a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.

Saint Stanislaus and Saint Steven schools jointly serve the system’s parochial elementary school students.

The schools have a small teacher-to-student ratio and implemented several new learning tools, according to Greg Hansel, director of education for Pacelli Catholic Schools (formerly Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools).

Parochial schools were not eligible to receive the award twice until last fall, Hansel said.

“So we must have done something good,” he joked.

“Our test scores had to be very, very good again,” he added. “We’re in the top seven or eight percent.”

The schools jointly implemented a new literacy lab, collaborating with education students at UW-Stevens Point. Hansel said the labs are taught directly in the classrooms for maximum student benefit.

A new speech and fluency clinic also came to fruition at St. Steven’s.

“We assess students and anyone who doesn’t meet a certai level gets extra help on a daily basis.,” Hansel said. “It’s been very successful so far.”

Hansel said the school would receive its plaque of recognition in November, and a ceremony recognizing the schools’ good work would be recognized at that time.