Amarillo Independent School District’s Whittier Elementary School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education.
The award is given to public and private schools based on “overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gaps among student groups,” according to a department statement.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement.
“You are visionaries, innovators and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from your teaching staff,” DeVos’ statement continued.
Whittier Elementary, 2004 N. Marrs St., serves students between pre-kindergarten and fifth grades in a section of northeast Amarillo. Whittier is one of 28 Texas schools and one of only 342 schools in 44 states and the District of Columbia to receive the designation.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program has awarded more than 8,500 schools since it began in 1982.
When you learn your school wins a national award... Retweet if you're #AISDProud!#FeelGoodFriday#NationallyRecognized#blueribbonschoolpic.twitter.com/Lenoy2nD42
— Amarillo ISD (@AmarilloISD) September 29, 2017
Mike Smith is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. Contact him at mike.smith@actx.edu, on Twitter at @newsmithm and on Facebook.
