News Summary
In a remarkable achievement, four schools in Connecticut have been awarded the Blue Ribbon designation in 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in student learning. This accolade comes despite the recent termination of the federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The honored institutions include the House of Arts, Letters, and Science Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary School, and Weston Intermediate School, all demonstrating significant academic success and contributions to closing educational gaps.
Norwich, Connecticut — Four Schools Recognized with Blue Ribbon Designations Despite Federal Program’s Cancellation
Four schools in Connecticut have received the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation in 2023, an honor given to schools that demonstrate significant achievements in student learning and educational excellence. This recognition is notable because the federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program was officially ended in August 2023 by the Trump administration, making these awards among the last issued before the program’s suspension.
Recognition Highlights Schools’ Academic Excellence
The four Connecticut schools honored this week span across various districts and educational levels, reflecting a diverse range of academic success. The schools are:
- House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain
- Gildersleeve School in Portland
- Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven
- Weston Intermediate School in Weston
These schools were awarded in two categories: Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. The former recognizes schools that perform at high levels in standardized assessments, while the latter highlights efforts to close achievement gaps among diverse student populations.
School Data and Selection Process
The schools were nominated based on data derived from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system, which evaluates multiple facets of student success beyond traditional testing scores. This comprehensive approach considers factors such as academic growth, student engagement, and equitable access to quality education. The Connecticut Department of Education emphasized that three of these four schools earned distinctions in both categories, underscoring their robust performance and commitment to narrowing educational disparities.
State Officials Express Pride Amid Federal Program Cessation
State education officials, including the State Board of Education Vice Chair, expressed pride in the recognition of these schools. The Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, also announced that the state would honor these exemplary institutions, reaffirming their achievements despite the termination of the federal program that traditionally bestowed the Blue Ribbon awards.
Local Impact and Notable Initiatives
Community leaders and school administrators highlighted the positive impacts of local initiatives on these schools’ success. For Gildersleeve School in Portland, a School Improvement Grant played a crucial role, enabling additional staffing and resources that helped improve educational outcomes. Such targeted funding and support are seen as vital to the ongoing success of schools in closing achievement gaps and reaching high levels of performance.
Future Celebrations and Recognitions
While the federal Blue Ribbon Program has ended, recognition continues at the state level. Notably, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona plans to visit Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, which was also recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. The Secretary, a native of Meriden who attended local public schools, will participate in a separate celebration to honor the school’s accomplishments.
Background and Context
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program has historically been one of the most prominent national awards recognizing excellence in education. Established in the 1980s, it aims to acknowledge schools that demonstrate superior student achievement and successful efforts to close educational disparities. The program’s termination by the federal government in 2023 was based on policy and budget considerations, but many states and local districts continue to recognize the achievements of their schools through various honors and accolades.
In conclusion, Connecticut’s four schools’ recent Blue Ribbon designations highlight their outstanding commitment to student success and educational quality. These achievements are particularly noteworthy given the federal program’s suspension, signifying the importance of local and state recognition in fostering educational excellence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona Schools Threatened by Increasing Closures Amid Funding Crisis
Chamlian Armenian School Reacts to Blue Ribbon Program Cancellation
Additional Resources
- CT News Junkie
- Wikipedia: Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- CT Insider
- Google Search: Blue Ribbon Schools Connecticut
- WFSB
- Google Scholar: Connecticut education awards
- Fox 61
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- CT Post
- Google News: Connecticut schools recognition
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
