Four East Texas schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools
Published 5:30 am Friday, October 4, 2024
- Caldwell Academy is one of four East Texas schools who received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools. (Contributed Photo)
Four East Texas schools have earned the prestigious distinction of 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to educational excellence.
Local schools recognized include Hudson PEP Elementary in Longview ISD, Neches High School in Palestine’s Neches ISD, Caldwell Arts Academy in Tyler ISD, and Gus Winston Cain Elementary in Whitehouse ISD.
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“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a press release. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and collaboration within their communities. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us draw inspiration from these schools as we advocate for education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the rich diversity of American education, serving students from various backgrounds. While each school is unique, they share common traits: strong leadership, data-driven instruction, and a focus on collaboration among families, communities, and educators.
To qualify, schools must submit a detailed application outlining their culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, and community involvement.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools based on student performance data, including assessment results and graduation rates, across two categories:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools: Among the top performers in their state, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: Excelling in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
According to the Department of Education, these schools are led by visionaries who uphold high standards and prioritize instructional excellence. They implement effective teaching methods and provide robust professional development for their staff. Each recognized school receives an award flag to display prominently, serving as a beacon of innovative practices for educators nationwide.
“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a huge honor for our students, staff, and families,” Caldwell Arts Academy Principal Dr. Bobby Markle said. “It shows that our schools work to achieve excellence in education, which is outstanding. We are so thankful for the support of Tyler ISD, our community, and most importantly, our staff and students who commit to our program’s success every day.”
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Whitehouse ISD said it is proud of the recognition.
“We are incredibly honored and proud to receive the National Blue Ribbon School recognition for Cain Elementary,” said Laurie Blain, Principal of Cain Elementary. “This award is a reflection of the collaborative effort between our teachers, students, parents, and staff who go above and beyond to create an environment where every child is seen and supported. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved.”