Notes from Commissioner Infante-Green
Blue Ribbon Excellence
Each year, the United States Department of Education awards a select group of schools across the nation with its highest distinction: the National Blue Ribbon Award. Schools are recognized for their academic excellence in either closing achievement gaps for their students or for exemplary high performances.
This year, only 325 schools in the United States were recognized as meeting the program’s high standards. My heart swells with pride to say that three of those schools are right here in Rhode Island: Ashton Elementary School in Cumberland, recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School; and North Kingstown Senior High School and Raymond C. LaPerche Elementary School in Smithfield, recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools.
Congratulations to the teachers, staff, students, and families of these schools, whose tenacity and dedication have earned them this prestigious award. In spite of the unique challenges of the past school year, these three communities have led the way in improving academic outcomes for our students. As Rhode Island works to accelerate student learning and close the opportunity gaps that have been widened by the pandemic, we will look to these schools as models to follow.
I want to especially recognize the leaders of these schools and their districts: Principal Nidia Karbonik and Superintendent Phil Thornton in Cumberland; Principal Barbara Morse and Superintendent Phil Auger in North Kingstown; and Principal Julie Dorsey and Superintendent Judy Paolucci in Smithfield. Thank you to each of you for your leadership, and to every member of the community. We are all inspired by you and your teams’ incredible work.
Angélica