Congressman Collin Peterson -- Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2010
CONTACT: 
Allison Myhre/202-302-6153

Minnesota Schools Earn Blue Ribbon Status

( WASHINGTON , DC ) – U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and U.S. Reps. Jim Oberstar, Collin Peterson, and Tim Walz announced that six schools in Minnesota were designated as 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

 

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students.

 

Minnesota schools have always set high expectations for our students,” Klobuchar said.  “These Blue Ribbon schools are leading the way in providing our students the quality education they will need to succeed and are well-deserving of this national recognition.”

 

“I want to congratulate the schools for being designated National Blue Ribbon Schools and for carrying on Minnesota ’s tradition of leadership in education,” said. Sen. Franken. “These schools should be proud that because of hard work and innovative teaching practices, they’re producing some of the nation’s top students.  I hope that when Congress reauthorizes the No Child Left Behind Act next year, we adopt some of the proven practices used at model schools like these.”

 

“Everyone in Minnesota can share in the pride that Principal Ken Decoster and the rest of the staff at South West Elementary School in Grand Rapids are taking in the work they do every day,” Oberstar said.  “An accomplishment like this is a team effort between parents, educators and students.”

 

“I offer my congratulations to Norman County East Elementary School on becoming a Blue Ribbon School,” Peterson said. “It is a good example of the many schools in Minnesota that are dedicated to student excellence and making sure our future generation are education and ready for the workforce. I’m proud to represent another Blue Ribbon School.”

 

“I’m proud to see two southern Minnesota schools recognized nationally as Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding achievements,” said Congressman Tim Walz. “Lewiston-Altura Elementary was recognized as a high performing school that not only has improved performance to the highest levels, but has done so despite a significant portion of its student body coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.   Byron High School was singled out as a consistently high performing school that continues to hold its students and teachers to the highest standards. I am proud to have the privilege of representing these two great schools and the teachers, students and parents who make up these communities in Congress.”

 

The following schools were awarded Blue Ribbon status:

 

Byron High School , Byron , MN , Principal: Mr. Michael Duffy

Greenwood Elementary School , Plymouth , MN , Principal: Mr. Brad Gustafson

Lewiston-Altura Elementary School , Lewiston , MN Principal: Mr. David Riebel

Norman County East Elementary School , Gary , MN , Principal: Mr. Dean Krogstad

Parkview Center School , Roseville , MN , Principal: Ms. Kristen Smith Olson

Southwest Elementary School , Grand Rapids , MN , Principal: Mr. Ken Decoster

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