We received thousands of votes and hundreds of messages from parents, staff, family, and friends of schools in Birmingham, Troy, and Clawson. The winners from Birmingham and Troy/Clawson will receive a catered lunch at school for teachers and staff. Here is just a sampling of messages submitted during voting for “What makes this school outstanding?”
Congratulations to the Gold Daisy School Award winners:
Birmingham: Quarton Elementary School 
- Quarton has wonderful, warm and welcoming teachers and staff. It reminds me of the elementary school I went to growing up: safe, staff and parents actively involved in providing the best educational experience for students, and simple - even down to the architecture. The students are wonderful as well. I have a child with Downs Syndrome and she was accepted by all while attending school here.
- Teachers and staff that take the time to get to know your children and teach to their needs
- The teachers and the principal. They truly care about the children and making the school the best place for them. When my child needed a little bit of help with reading - they helped. There was no 'well she is at her grade level, so we can't help.' It was automatic. They wanted her to keep growing, not get behind. That is what a school is supposed to do!
Troy/Clawson: Morse Elementary School 
- Morse teachers and staff go above and beyond to do "whatever it takes" to make each and every student successful!!
- The teachers are compassionate about helping their students get the most out of their learning experience.
- Morse is a teaching community that has everyone in mind when we hold events like PTO meetings, Silent Auction, Math Night, Science and Social Studies Night, Literacy Night, Morse Fair, Movie Night, Morse Summer Nights and always looking out for anyone that is part of the Morse community. Teachers, staff members, our Morse families, the students and Mrs. Zendler, our Pincipal, make it a special place to come to and watch students’ progress in social, emotional, physical and academic ways! We do our best to do 'WHATEVER IT TAKES'. It really is everyone making the difference for others here at Morse.
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Birmingham Schools
Berkshire Middle- The teachers, administration and students make Berkshire a great place to learn.
Beverly Elementary- Our fantastic staff stands 100% for their students! Learning is fun, students are happy!
Bingham Farms Elementary- I love Bingham Farms for the small class sizes, diversity, and the close-knit community school that it is. Everybody knows everyone at Bingham and teachers and parents alike are always looking out for each other’s children.
Birmingham Covington- BCS teachers, administrators, and support staff provide an environment for all types of learners to enjoy school and be successful.
Derby Middle- The communication the teachers and staff has with parents. Thank you SO MUCH, we are recently new to this district and have need a lot of talks with different teachers and staff throughout the school, and I cannot thank you for all the time you have given us!
Early Childhood Center Birmingham- The teachers are open and friendly and seem to love what they are doing! My son looks forward to going to school and loves spending time there so much (he doesn't like to leave either!!!).
Gateway Montessori- The staff at Gateway takes educating to the next level. It’s not just about learning the alphabet or numbers it’s about raising good humans who are kind and respectful. I view them as my partners in parenting and I have no idea how I would ever survive without them.
Greenfield Elementary- The staff at Greenfield Elementary are the most caring, committed and conscientious group of teachers, administrators and volunteers that you could ever hope to have surrounding your child. They truly love each and every student and want nothing but the best for them, and for our community. Their passion, enthusiasm and attentiveness are on full display every day. Additionally, I am so grateful for the diversity of students and families that attend and support Greenfield. It's wonderful to find a school that welcomes, embraces, values and celebrates people of all backgrounds.
Groves High- Support of teachers
Harlan Elementary- Teachers and staff are excited about learning and very engaged - that's what makes the school outstanding. Plenty of opportunities for students to participate in learning activities outside of class - and even then the support of the teachers - whether in a coaching role (in Science Olympiad) or cheering them on (for Battle of the Books and Math Pentathlon) is so important to the kids. We've even had a change in Principals this year... from Dr. Thompson to Mr. Agius... but his leadership and her transition were seamless and it feels like he's been part of our school for so much longer. I'm very grateful for the environment at Harlan - I know when my daughter heads towards Middle School in two years, she'll have the best foundation and be ready for anything.
Hill Elementary- I love the team work and great community at our school!
Holy Name- Holy Name teachers and staff are fully dedicated to teaching and guiding the students.
Pembroke Elementary- I can't say enough good things about Pembroke. From our principle, office staff, special instructors and teachers, everyone has shown respect and love for our kids. I feel so lucky to have my daughter at this school - it is truly outstanding.
Pierce Elementary- Passionate educators and dedicated families make up Pierce’s school family. Each child is seen as a unique learner who strives to be there best everyday.
Seaholm High- Seaholm offers such a diverse opportunity for all students to find their place in the Seaholm Community. I am still amazed to see how motivated the Teachers and Students are when it comes to pursuing not only education but finding that ever so important way to express yourself individually.
West Maple Elementary- Teachers and staff are very professional, yet very friendly. You are always greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome.
Troy Schools
Baker Middle- I love all the encouragement that we get from the teachers and give to each other.
Barnard Elementary- Barnard is outstanding because: students genuinely want to make their school wonderful and have fun while doing it. And the best part is, the staff/teachers are very supporting of this.
Bemis Elementary- Where to start!! The staff, teachers, principal, vice principal and office administration staff are amazing! I feel like I am delivering my child to extended family every day and have every confidence that she is academically and emotionally learning at the highest levels possible. We love Bemis!!
Boulan Middle- The teachers, staff, and administration are truly the best, and we feel they really do care and take an interest in every child. My kids truly feel a part of something special at school and so do we!!
Brookfield Academy- My kid loves the school. That's what makes it outstanding. She is happy everyday as she enriches herself, thanks to the wonderful teachers and staff
Costello Elementary- Our Costello community works together to make sure the students are successful, safe, and entertained.
Hamilton Elementary- Our teachers go above and beyond every day for our students!
Hill Elementary- The honest love and compassion our teachers have for our kids. Many of the teachers/staff come to their students’ events outside of school activities. Our teachers are so dedicated.
Larson Middle- This school has gone above and beyond setting their kids to be exemplary citizens, teaching them kindness and respect, and diversity.
Leonard Elementary- I love that the staff is dedicated and has high expectations! They prepare our children academically and ensure a loving environment!
Martell Elementary- All staff members and parents are wonderful.
Schoolhouse Montessori- They have good curriculum and great teachers!
Smith Middle- I love that the staff is dedicated and has high expectations! They prepare our children academically and ensure a loving environment!
Troy Union Elementary- The teachers are team players and work very well with ancillary staff and parents to make it a wonderful learning experience for all.
Wass Elementary- This school take pride in teacher our kids to be overall good people. Not only is it a good academic program, but a huge focus on teaching the kids kindness and respect!! The personal notes Mr. Jansen (principal) wrote to my kids really made my kids feel like they belonged to this community when they were the “new kids in school”.
Wattles Elementary- The school has the most amazing teachers, principal, and staff. The atmosphere is nurturing and positive and makes my children feel safe and loved!
Clawson Schools
Clawson Middle- The teachers are so caring and invested in the kids’ success!
Clawson High School- Exceptional staff who care about the kids.
Guardian Angels- Our teachers are the most dedicated and deserving staff out there. They give countless hours of their time to make our school the best.
Japhet School- Treats all students as individuals to be responsible and respected
Kenwood Elementary- The individual assurance by teachers that each and every student succeeds and grows, as a person and as a student.
Schalm Elementary- Schalm Elementary is a wonderful place to be, whether you are a teacher, student, parent, or community member. We are a family. Everyone feels loved, supported, and encouraged to do their best.
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