Alvarado Elementary South was recently notified that it was among only 26 Texas public schools that the Texas Education Agency was nominating as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School designee.
AES is the first Alvarado ISD school to be nominated for the distinction.
“It is quite an honor any time your campus – as well as your school district – receives recognition at both the state and national levels, principal Karla Moore said. “Being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School nominee just validates what we are trying to accomplish in Alvarado ISD which is to inspire and empower learners, and to be the most sought after school district in the state.
“After all the hard work by our administrators, teachers and staff, the ultimate champions are our students.”
Initiated by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that have high student achievement and/or highlights where exemplary progress has been made in closing achievement gaps among student subpopulations. Since the program’s founding, 7,000 schools across the nation have received this prestigious designation.
In the Lone Star State, public schools are considered for nomination based on student performance on the first administration of the previous year’s STAAR assessments. Each nominated school has an economically disadvantaged population of 25 percent or more.
“Words cannot express our deep sense of pride and appreciation for the effort and teamwork of our students, educators, and community,” said Dr. Kenneth Estes, Superintendent of Alvarado ISD. “AES works daily to create a learning environment that inspires and empowers our learners to new heights.
“Ms. Moore’s leadership and dedication continues to guide AES to high standards, achievement, and EXCELLENCE! This is indeed a great honor for our entire community!”
The nominated schools must now complete a rigorous application process conducted by the USDE. National award winners will be announced in September, 2020. Schools that receive the designation are recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.