NATIONAL HONORS FOR NEW MEXICO
Three New Mexico schools earn Blue Ribbon status
Three schools in the state are among 349 schools across the country recognized as national blue ribbon schools.
The U.S. Department of Education has named East Mountain High School, Anansi Charter School in El Prado and Broadmoor Elementary School in Hobbs National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The three New Mexico institutions are among 349 schools across the country receiving the honor.
EMHS was the only high school in the state to be recognized, according to a news release.
EMHS Principal Monique Siedschlag said her school “is a family and this is an honor for the entire community. Many individuals have contributed to the success of our school over the last 19 years. We honor and appreciate their important contributions.
“I am especially proud of our amazing students and staff,” she said.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award “affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content,” East Mountain officials said in a statement.
In the past 20 years, only seven New Mexico high schools have been recognized with this achievement.
“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to all the winners Tuesday in a statement. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
The U.S. Department of Education will formally recognize the winners with an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., next month where each receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status.
The 35-year-old national program is designed to find outstanding public and nonpublic schools, celebrating excellence, turn-around stories and closing subgroup achievement gaps, according to the progam website, nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.
National Blue Ribbon Schools include public schools, including charter schools, magnet/choice schools, Title I schools, and non-public schools, including parochial and independent schools. They include urban, suburban and rural, large and small, traditional and innovative, and serve students of every social, economic and ethnic background.
Criteria include identifying school leaders who not only “articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards, they stay close to the real action of teaching and learning,” according to the website.