Dr. Jill Underly meets with students, staff at Shiocton Elementary School and T.J. Walker Middle School
MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly visited two of Wisconsin’s 2025 Blue Ribbon School honorees on Wednesday — Shiocton Elementary School (School District of Shiocton) and T.J. Walker Middle School (Sturgeon Bay Schools) — to celebrate the exceptional work of educators and students.
“It was incredibly clear why these schools earned this recognition,” Dr. Underly said. “From the moment students walk through the doors at Shiocton Elementary School and T.J. Walker Middle School, they are welcomed into environments where relationships come first. Educators are aligned around high academic standards, providing targeted support for students who need it and ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success.”
Shiocton Elementary School was recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category, while T.J. Walker Middle School earned recognition in both the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools and Exemplary High Performing Schools categories. During the visits, Dr. Underly met with students and staff, toured classrooms, and learned more about the innovative ways they are supporting student success.
“There is a deep sense of pride in these schools — among students, staff, and families alike,” Dr. Underly said. “These Blue Ribbon awardees are shining examples of Wisconsin’s very best public schools.”
Photos from the visits can be found on Dr. Underly’s official Facebook page.
The two schools are among eight Wisconsin schools recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools last fall. The recognition came after the U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which had existed since 1982. Additional 2025 honorees include:
- Edgewood Elementary School (School District of Greenfield)
- Prairie Lane Elementary School (Kenosha Unified School District)
- Karcher Middle School (Burlington Area School District)
- Forest Lane Community School (Montello School District)
- Crivitz High School (Crivitz School District)
- St. Croix Falls Elementary School (St. Croix Falls School District)
