U.S. Secretary of Education Recognizes Eight
Minnesota Schools as 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools
ROSEVILLE,
MN – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized eight Minnesota
schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017 based on their overall
academic excellence. Schools recognized as “exemplary high performing schools”
are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state
assessments or national standardized tests.
“It is important that we highlight and celebrate schools making strides
to improve overall achievement for all students,” said Minnesota Department of
Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. “Every year Minnesota nominates eight schools through the National Blue
Ribbon Schools Program to recognize and learn from teachers and school leaders who are
eliminating barriers and creating new opportunities for their students. I’m
excited to celebrate our national Blue Ribbon schools this year. “
The
National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary,
middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or
are making notable improvements in closing achievement gaps. The award affirms
the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe
and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National
Blue Ribbon Schools flag displayed in a school’s building is a widely
recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The
U.S. Department of Education will honor 342 schools at a recognition ceremony
on Nov. 6-7 in Washington, D.C. In its 35-year history, the National Blue
Ribbon Schools Program has honored more than 8,500 of America’s schools with
this award.
“I am proud of the schools this year and those from previous years,” said Cassellius. “We must learn from these schools and expand
our reach to every Minnesota school so all kids have what they need to succeed, regardless of circumstance.”
The recognized schools
from Minnesota are:
- Hoover
Elementary, Mankato Public School District
- Lake Marion
Elementary, Lakeville Public School District
- Woodland
Elementary School, Alexandria Public School District
- Gordon Bailey
Elementary, South Washington County School District
- Washington
Elementary, Rochester Public School District
- Wilshire Park
Elementary, St. Anthony- New Brighton Schools
- St. Anthony Park
Elementary, St. Paul Public Schools
- Oakwood
Elementary, Wayzata Public School District
Photographs
and descriptions of the 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.
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