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
-30-