Five HISD Schools Earn "Blue Ribbon" from U.S. Department of Education
September 22, 2008
Five HISD schools have been named No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools <http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2008/2008-schools.html#tx> by the U.S. Department of Education.
Victor Hartsfield, Harvard, and Lora Peck Elementary Schools, Pin Oak Middle School, and Carnegie Vanguard High School all earned the "blue ribbon" distinction for demonstrating high academic gains in student achievement.
The national program recognizes outstanding schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate outstanding gains in student achievement. In Texas, a total of 26 public schools were selected to receive the award.
To be nominated for the recognition, schools must either have at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students who show dramatic improvement in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), or be ranked in the top 10 percent in TAKS test results. Blue Ribbon Schools must also make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in reading or English language arts and mathematics.
Carnegie Vanguard High School, Hartsfield and Peck Elementary students ranked in the top 10 percent in the TAKS test performance. Hartsfield and Peck Elementary have more than 40 percent disadvantaged students who showed outstanding improvement on the TAKS test.
"It is with high expectations, hard work, perseverance, determination, love for learning, and great enthusiastic teaching that has made this honor that much more meaningful and treasured," said Peck Elementary Principal Carlotta Brown. "Our daily goal is to make sure that each and every child will have access to educational opportunities, so that later on we will have well-rounded productive citizens."
"Teachers are pro-active," said Carnegie Vanguard Principal Ramon Moss. "We don’t teach to the test, we teach to what we feel the student needs to be successful. We’e all winners in this process."/P>
"I’m truly elated with this recognition," said Hartsfield Elementary Principal Joyce Williams. "The hard work and input of the community, parents, students, and staff really made the difference."
Both Pin Oak Middle and Harvard Elementary School students showed significant improvement in their TAKS test results. Both schools have at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students.
"The Blue Ribbon recognition is a reflection of our commitment to help students succeed," said Pin Oak Middle School Principal Michael McDonough. "We’re excited about this honor and will continue to work hard for our students."P>
"We teach the curriculum and meet with every grade level once a week to monitor how the curriculum is met and implemented," said Harvard Elementary Principal Kevin Beringer. "Overall, we look at every child and make sure that each gets the attention, tutoring, and focus they need."
Out of the five schools that earned the Blue Ribbon recognition, three were from HISD’s Central Region.
"Above all, it’s an honor to receive this award,"aid HISD’s Central Region Superintendent Adriana Tamez. "It reflects our commitment to a culture and climate of high expectations of all of our students."
"I'm proud that the U.S. Department of Education's award recognizes the strong academic work that is occurring in our schools,"said Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott.
For the past 26 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 5, 800 of America's most successful schools.
This year's winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on October 20 and 21.
