Three Wyoming schools were recognized Monday as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, out of 356 nationwide.
For more than 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has been an award recognizing public and private schools that demonstrate academic excellence, partnerships with families and educators, high standards and are data-driven.
“Achieving this honor means that your schools are raising the bar thanks to your amazing educators and students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Monday when announcing the winning schools. “It means that your school is the pride of your community and the model for schools across the nation. You show us what happens when we lift up best practices in instruction, when we empower students to uncover their unique superpowers and share them with the world.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, to be eligible for nomination, public schools must meet criteria based on student performance on state assessments, graduation rate and other measures.
“The National Blue Ribbon nomination comes from the State Department (of Education),” Thermopolis Principal Darren Luehne said. “It came from outside our community and from the state level, so we were very honored about the accomplishment and even to be nominated. To be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is pretty special.”
Parkside Elementary School, Powell
Parkside Elementary School is a two-section school serving just over 200 students in grades K-5, and Principal Jason Hillman was enthusiastic about receiving this honor.
It was the school’s second time to receive the designation since 2012. He announced the award over the school intercom Monday morning and is planning on a special assembly in the coming weeks to celebrate.
“It was very hard not to say anything when we were first notified, we were just so excited,” he said. “Our vision for our school is that we'll be the kindest and highest-performing school in the state. Our kids really believe that, and our teachers and parents believe that, too.
“For the past four years, our kids have really been doing well on the state assessment. I'm so proud of our students and staff and parents. It's a real reflection on our school community.”
Sagebrush Elementary School, Sheridan
This is the third Blue Ribbon award for Sagebrush Elementary School, which has 326 students in grades K-5. It first won the award in 2009 and the second time in 2018. It’s the first elementary school in Wyoming to receive the Blue Ribbon honor three times.
“We're going to definitely celebrate all year,” Sagebrush Principal Justin Roher said, “This award is just a culmination of everybody doing their part and knowing how much we value education. When a community comes together and really supports our teachers and school district, it shows just how much we can do with our students.”
Thermopolis Middle School
This is the first time Thermopolis Middle School has been designated a Blue Ribbon School.
To celebrate, the award was announced to its 187 students at a special assembly with a balloon drop.
“I think that it's important that we look at this as just another chapter since we as a school want to continue to grow and meet their needs,” Thermopolis Principal Darren Luebe said. “It's a heck of an accomplishment for the district and our community and our school, but also shows us that we can do this and that we need to continue to strive for that type of greatness year and year out.”
The three Wyoming schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., later in November where representatives will receive a plaque and flag to signify the school’s exemplary status.
Jackie Dorothy can be reached at jackie@cowboystatedaily.com.
