For immediate release
Sept. 7, 2012
Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876
Six Kansas Schools Recognized as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools
TOPEKA - Six Kansas schools were among the 269 U.S. schools named 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools today by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The National Blue Ribbon Schools award, one of the most prestigious education awards in the nation, distinguishes and honors elementary, middle and high schools for helping students achieve at high levels and for showing significant improvement in students’ levels of achievement.
In announcing the National Blue Ribbon Schools, Secretary Duncan said, “Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential. Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”
The Kansas schools being recognized are Basehor Linwood High School, USD 458 Basehor-Linwood; Blue Valley High School, USD 229 Blue Valley; Garden City High School, USD 457 Garden City; Goddard High School, USD 265 Goddard; Marshall Elementary School, USD 389 Eureka; and Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Archdiocese of Kansas City
in Kansas.
“I commend each of these schools for achieving this significant award,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Diane DeBacker. “It takes a real focus on and commitment to student learning to attain the kind of achievement that qualifies for Blue Ribbon recognition. These schools are a credit to their communities and to the state of Kansas.”
The Blue Ribbon program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Improving. In the high performing category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments. In the improving category, recognition goes to schools where at least 40 percent of students are from disadvantaged backgrounds and the school demonstrates the most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments.
Four of the Kansas schools being recognized were nominated as representatives of Exemplary High Performing Schools: Blue Valley High School, Goddard High School, Basehor Linwood High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Two schools, Marshall Elementary School and Garden City High School, are being recognized in the Exemplary Improving Schools category.
The schools will be honored at an awards ceremony November 12-13, 2012, in Washington, DC.
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