01 Oct New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School named National Blue Ribbon Award Winner
A North Dakota school district with ties to the State Board of Higher Education has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon Award Winner.
On September 26, 2019, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School is one of two schools in North Dakota honored with this award. This recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. State Board of Higher Education member Jill Louters serves as the superintendent of the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District.
“We continue to work with our stakeholders to ensure that our school develops a trusting, progressive school environment, ensuring that our graduates are choice ready for their futures,” Louters said.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, 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. 14-15, 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 students and staff truly deserve this award. We strive to do our best, working together as a community of learners. We support each other and believe in trying new ways of learning and teaching to help make all of us better each and every day,” reflected Elementary Principal Natalie Becker. “This excitement was reflected in the classroom yesterday as one 4th grade commented, ‘I was so happy and excited when we found out because we are a good school and we have super good teachers!’”
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy 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.”