Connecticut Schools Achieve Blue Ribbon Designation

News Summary

Four schools in Connecticut have earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation, a recognition for excellence in student learning, despite the federal program’s recent termination. The honored schools include HALS Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary, and Weston Intermediate, with three excelling in both categories of high-performance and achievement gap closing. Local leaders, including the Education Commissioner, emphasize the importance of this recognition in motivating educational excellence amid funding challenges.

Connecticut – Four schools across Connecticut have achieved the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation this week, an honor given to institutions that demonstrate significant achievements in student learning. The recognition comes despite the termination of the federal Blue Ribbon program by the Trump administration in August 2023.

The Blue Ribbon awards are categorized into two distinct classifications: Exemplary High-Performing schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing schools. Notably, three of the four recognized schools have excelled in both categories. The honored institutions are:

• House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain
• Gildersleeve School in Portland
• Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven
• Weston Intermediate School in Weston

Prior to the announcement, Connecticut’s State Board of Education Vice Chair expressed considerable pride in the recognized schools. Governor Ned Lamont also affirmed in September that the state would honor the four schools selected by the federal Department of Education for their exemplary performance.

The nomination of these schools was based on data retrieved from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system, which evaluates student success through various metrics beyond mere test scores. This comprehensive approach highlights the overall educational environment and effectiveness of these institutions.

Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker indicated that three of the selected schools achieved accolades in both the high-performing and achievement gap closing categories, marking a significant accomplishment for the state’s educational standards.

Connecticut’s schools are finding ways to continue thriving despite cuts to federal programs. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz emphasized the importance of celebrating excellence in public education, highlighting that achievements like these deserve recognition especially during challenging times.

Portland Superintendent Charles Britton credited the School Improvement Grant with playing a pivotal role in the accomplishments of Gildersleeve School. This funding allowed the school to enhance staffing levels and improve educational outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted support in public education.

The importance of recognizing academic excellence was further reinforced by former principal of Weston Intermediate School, Patti Falber, who noted that such acknowledgment is crucial in motivating staff and students alike to continue striving for superior outcomes.

In a related event, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, a Meriden native and a product of the state’s public schools, is set to visit Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden to celebrate its recognition in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category. Cardona’s involvement underscores the ongoing commitment to public education in Connecticut, particularly as the state navigates federal program cuts.

As Connecticut schools continue to demonstrate high-quality education and significant advancements in student achievement, the Blue Ribbon designations serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of educators and students alike. The recognition not only spotlights individual schools but also reinforces the collective goal of improving educational standards across the state.

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Additional Resources

• CT News Junkie
• Wikipedia: Blue Ribbon Schools Program
• CT Insider
• Google Search: Blue Ribbon Schools Connecticut
• WFSB
• Google Scholar: Connecticut education awards
• Fox 61
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• CT Post
• Google News: Connecticut schools recognition