Grand Prairie Elementary School has been Named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School
September 16, 2022
OPELOUSAS, LA - Today, United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, recognized 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. We are pleased to announce that Grand Prairie Elementary is one of those schools receiving this award.
How does a school receive such an honor? According to the United States Department of Education (USDOE), the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, especially minority or disadvantaged students. Schools nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Award submit applications to the USDOE, where those applications are reviewed to determine which schools will be selected.
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”
School officials will represent Grand Prairie Elementary at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they will hear from Secretary Cardona and other esteemed educators, share best practices, and celebrate their prestigious achievements.
Mrs. Renee Suire, principal at Grand Prairie Elementary, says “The school culture at Grand Prairie Elementary supports an environment of high student and staff expectations, strong parental and community involvement, and an attitude of pride and positivity. We work hard to continue this culture each year and to
incorporate practices and programs that will further our school’s success. It is such an honor to be recognized for our hard work and dedication to all students!”
Superintendent Jenkins and the St Landry School Board are proud of this rural school in the northwest end of the parish and commend them for their extraordinary performance in the face of tremendous adversity due to the pandemic.
“I want to congratulate Grand Prairie Elementary school for earning this distinguished honor, proving again the students of St Landry Parish are as smart and capable as any in America. The outstanding efforts of the students, faculty, and administration at Grand Prairie Elementary School demonstrate the high academic achievement that can be accomplished with hard work, determination, and a shared desire to succeed,” said Superintendent Jenkins.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
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