Best in Class: Skyview Kicks Off New Year After Sweeping Top Awards for Excellence

Best in Class: Skyview Kicks Off New Year After Sweeping Top Awards for Excellence

In the 2023-2024 School Year, Skyview Middle School was honored as a Best Workplace by The Gazette, Best Middle School by The Gazette, and Platinum School of Distinction by Jostens Renaissance.

“Staff and teachers work hard, they have fun, and they get excellent results,” says Theresa Ritz, POWER Zone Superintendent. “They are extremely deserving of these recognitions.”

This was Skyview Middle’s first year participating in the Jostens Renaissance program, and it was one of 84 schools across the country recognized as a Platinum School of Distinction.

“We knew that we needed something to help establish and build student body culture and climate,” said Wedor. “Renaissance gave us that framework.” He noted that the program has received an overwhelming response from students, and buy-in from parents. “There’s a heavy level of student recognition, and students are setting goals for themselves” he said.  

Under Principal Mike Wedor's leadership, growing a strong and positive culture has been an intentional focus, and is what he attributes to the school’s success. “The level we invest in our people is what sets us apart,” he says.

When he stepped in to the role of principal three years ago, Wedor saw a need for improvement in the work environment of the middle school. “He set out to dramatically improve culture first because he knew student growth and achievement would follow,” said Ritz. “And he was right.”

The Middle School achieved a third-place finish in the large employer’s category for the Best Workplace awards, as recognized by the Gazette. This survey is solely based on staff response, and leaders do not get to view any submissions.

“We really take care of one another and treat each other like family,” says Doug Gossage, Assistant Principal. He went on to

explain that leadership has been very intentional with who they bring on as new hires. Ritz echoes this sentiment, saying, “He (Wedor) has hired excellent leaders to work alongside him at Skyview, and they model daily for both staff and students what a strong, loyal team looks like.”

Wedor explains that there isn’t a “secret sauce” to improving workplace culture. His team prioritizes work life balance and investing in relationships. “We want to make sure after an incredibly challenging day, staff would come back knowing people would support them.” He also emphasizes the importance of recognition, noting that it’s unusual for a day to pass without celebrating a staff member, teacher, or student.

Rob Wilkinson, Assistant Principal, emphasizes that fostering relationships is crucial to creating the successful culture at the middle school. “You have to put the time in to get to know your staff,” he said. “It’s like putting in a bank deposit. That reward is going to come back later.”

Wedor advises other schools aiming to enhance their work and school culture to “be relentless on the relationships and the emphasis you place on your culture,” he said. “And when you think you’re in a good place, go even further.”