December 18, 2024

Winterset Middle School named National Blue Ribbon School

By For the

In its ninth year of existence, Winterset Middle School was chosen as a National Blue Ribbon School. Since merging two buildings in 2010, WMS has moved from a School in Need of Assistance to an Exemplary School. (Contributed photo)

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized four Iowa schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools. On Nov. 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:

— Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

— Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state's highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education.

Iowa’s National Blue Ribbon Schools are: Dayton Elementary School, Southeast Webster Grand Community School District; Delwood Elementary School, Delwood Community School District; Fredericksburg Elementary School, Sumner-Fredericksburg Comm School District; and Winterset Middle School, Winterset Community School District.