Every year, the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) recognizes magnet schools across the country as either Magnet Schools of Excellence or Magnet Schools of Distinction. These honors are given to schools based on their efforts at reducing racial and economic isolation, promoting diverse learning environments, and providing innovative curriculum. We congratulate the following thirteen Connecticut magnet schools which were singled out for recognition this year.

2011 SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE
- East Hartford-Glastonbury Elementary Magnet School, East Hartford;
Principal: Glen Peterson
- Metropolitan Learning Center Interdistrict Magnet School for Global and
International Studies, Bloomfield; Principal: Anne McKernan
- University of Hartford Magnet School, West Hartford; Principal: Elaina Brachman
- Connecticut IB Academy, East Hartford; Principal: Arthur C. Arpin
- Hartford Magnet Middle School, Hartford; Principal: Sally A. Biggs
- Richard J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts, Hartford;
Principal: Pamela Totten-Alvarado
- John C. Daniels School of International Communication, New Haven;
Principal: Gina Wells
- Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, Waterbury; Principal: Gina L. Calabrese

2011 SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION
- CREC Montessori Magnet School, Hartford; Principal: Melissa Gagne
- CREC Reggio Magnet School of the Arts, Avon; Principal: Josephine Di Pietro Smith
- Classical Magnet School, Hartford; Principal: Timothy J. Sullivan, Jr.
- Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, Hartford; Principal: John P. Laverty

2011 HONORABLE MENTION
- University High School of Science and Engineering, Hartford;
Principal: Dr. Elizabeth J. Colli

Additionally, Hartford Magnet Middle School (HMMS) received the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, considered the TOP award for magnet schools in the nation and given to only one school in the Magnet School of Excellence category. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize. HMMS Principal Sally Ann Biggs, member of the CAS Board of Directors, accepted the award at MSA's 29th national conference in Indianapolis, Ind. This was the first time that a Hartford Public School has been so honored.

"I am proud to accept this distinguished award on behalf of the Hartford Magnet Middle School Family," Ms. Biggs said. "I am truly blessed to work with the best children in the world and the most dynamic and devoted staff. The HMMS staff works very hard to create the finest and most unique learning experiences possible for our students, and every day our students make us proud and put smiles on our faces!" Hartford Magnet Middle School serves children in grades 6-8. Its curriculum places an emphasis on the arts and sciences and has partnerships with the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, the Hartford Stage Company and COMPASS Youth Collaborative.

Gina Calabrese, principal of Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, was named National Magnet School Principal of the Year. Mrs. Calabrese has been principal of Rotella, which focuses on the arts, since August 2005. Rotella also won MSA's annual poster contest in the elementary division. Autumn McDonald, a fifth-grade student at the school, created a poster demonstrating this year's theme, "Building Bright Futures…The Magnet Way!"