Massachusetts Secretary of Education Matthew Malone visited Sippican School Wednesday morning where he praised district officials, teachers and students for developing an exceptional learning environment.

“You’ve got students working really well alongside one another, engaged teachers and a rigorous curriculum,” Malone said. “I can see why parents want to send their children here.”

Malone visited with students in kindergarten through grade six, briefly taking in lessons on mathematics, reading and science. He also visited with the pet reptiles in Paula McKeen’s third grade class and tried out the school’s climbing wall.

Superintendent Doug White, Principal Lyn Rivet, Assistant Principal Sarah Goerges and other school officials accompanied Malone on the tour.

“[Malone] has made it a priority to get out of his office and into schools across the state,” White said. “He loves getting into the classrooms and visiting the kids.”

In each class he entered, Malone peppered students and staff with questions about lessons and school in general. He encouraged the children in a handful of classes to read for fun at least 30 minutes a night, if not more.

“You’ve got to build up your reading endurance,” Malone said. “Read the books that grab your attention.”

While touring the school’s computer lab, Malone asked if administrators considered setting aside room for students to innovate.

“Do you have a tinkering space?” Malone asked.

He explained that some schools have programs where students pursue passion projects through research and exploration.

Malone also asked if the school had a 3D printer, which is something Rivet said a local education foundation might soon consider purchasing.

Overall, Malone said the school’s extensive use of technology is forward thinking.

“I’m really impressed,” he told administrators. “You’ve got technology in every one of these classrooms.”

Later in the tour, Malone met with a few teachers and asked them their opinions on state testing standards. They answered that, while necessary, the number of tests is excessive.

Malone agreed and said it’s time to explore new policies that encourage efficient assessments.

Wednesday’s visit followed a tour that Malone took in August to check out the district’s summer program.

White said he invited Malone to the district’s other schools at the time.

Following the secretary’s visit, White said, “He was very supportive and very positive. We will continue to push the envelope on creativity by exploring new technology like a 3D printer and expanding programs such as Destination Imagination.”

To keep updated on Malone and the education department, follow him on Twitter @MassEducation.