STATEHOUSE – State Rep. Sue Ellspermann (R-Ferdinand) congratulates Ferdinand Elementary School for being recognized as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. It was announced by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) that Ferdinand Elementary School in Ferdinand, Ind. is one of eight schools in Indiana to be recognized as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. “Ferdinand Elementary’s students, their parents, faculty and staff should all be very proud of this accomplishment,” said Rep. Ellspermann. “All of the hard work from those involved sets a high standard for schools in both Indiana and across the nation. Congratulations on this excellent achievement.” The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories. The first category is “Exemplary High Performing,” in which schools are recognized among their state's highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. The second category is “Exemplary Improving,” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. Ferdinand Elementary School was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing school. "Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential," said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. "Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future." To select National Blue Ribbon Schools, the USDOE requests nominations from the top education official in every state. The Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, then invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as National Blue Ribbon School. In its 30-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,000 of America’s schools. This year, the USDOE named 269 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps. The National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 12-13 in Washington, D.C. -30-
Ferdinand Elementary awarded as 2012 National Blue Ribbon School, 9-10-12.docx |
