News Summary
Four schools in Connecticut have been awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizing their significant achievements in student learning. The honored schools include HALS Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary, and Weston Intermediate School. Three of them were celebrated in both Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing categories. This recognition underscores the commitment of these institutions to educational excellence and the importance of maintaining high standards despite recent federal program cuts.
Hartford, Connecticut – Four schools in Connecticut have recently received the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation, a recognition awarded for significant achievements in student learning. This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the honorees, which include House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain, Gildersleeve School in Portland, Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, and Weston Intermediate School in Weston. The Blue Ribbon program, however, has been discontinued since its end by the Trump administration in August 2023.
The Blue Ribbon designation is granted in two categories: Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Notably, three of the Connecticut-recognized schools were honored in both categories, underscoring their extensive contributions to educational excellence and equity.
Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker underscored the significance of the recognition, highlighting that the schools were nominated based on data from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system. This system evaluates a student’s success in a more holistic manner, looking beyond mere test scores to encompass overall learning outcomes.
State Board of Education Vice Chair Erin Benham expressed pride in the accomplishments of the recognized schools, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining high educational standards in the state. In September, Governor Ned Lamont announced plans to honor the schools chosen by the federal Department of Education, reinforcing the importance of achievement in public education, particularly in light of federal program cuts.
One highlighted school, Gildersleeve School, benefited from the School Improvement Grant, which facilitated additional staffing and resources dedicated to improving educational outcomes. Portland Superintendent Charles Britton pointed out this vital enhancement that has positively impacted student performance.
Former Weston Intermediate School principal Patti Falber noted the importance of recognizing and celebrating academic excellence in schools, suggesting that such acknowledgment boosts morale among educators and students alike.
In a related event, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona plans to visit Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden to celebrate its recognition in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category. Cardona, a native of Meriden and a product of the local public school system, has also held various roles within Connecticut’s education sector, reinforcing his commitment to improving educational outcomes in the state.
Background on the Blue Ribbon Program
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established to honor schools that demonstrate the ability to produce significant student achievements and close achievement gaps among different student populations. The criteria used for nominations consider a range of factors, including performance on standardized tests, progress measures, and the implementation of innovative educational practices.
Since its inception, the program has aimed to promote excellence in education, serve as a catalyst for improvement, and assist schools in sharing their successful strategies and practices with others. Despite its recent discontinuation by the federal government, the recognition of these Connecticut schools highlights continued efforts within the state to pursue high standards in education and to acknowledge those who achieve remarkable success in fostering student learning.
In conclusion, the recognition of House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary School, and Weston Intermediate School reflects the commitment of Connecticut’s educational institutions to excellence and equity, even amidst challenges arising from federal program changes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona Faces School Closures Amid Funding Crisis
Chamlian Armenian School Faces Disappointment Over Award Cancellation
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
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
