THREE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOLS RECEIVE NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON RECOGNITION

RI – U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. recognized three Rhode Island
schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016. The award is based on their
overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among
student subgroups.

«National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college
and meaningful careers, King said in a video message
to honorees. «Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative
educational practices-professional learning communities, project-based learning,
social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems-making you shining examples
for your communities, your state and the nation.»

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary,
middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are
making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the
hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and
welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue
Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of
exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and
a model for schools still striving for excellence.

Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools
Program, has bestowed this coveted
award on fewer than 8,500 schools. The Department will formally recognize the 279
public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 7
and 8, 2016.

All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all
student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
* Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing
schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
* Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest
performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all
students over the past five years.

The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top
education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian
Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private
schools. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated each year.

City School Name
Barrington Barrington High School
East Providence Kent Heights Elementary School
Peace Dale Peace Dale Elementary School