By Eric Stock
DOWNS – All three schools in the Tri-Valley school system are now considered blue ribbon schools.
The elementary is the latest in the school system in Downs to receive the national recognition.
“We are getting national recognition of how strong our school system is,” principal Sara Burnett said.
The elementary was honored for being a high-performing school.
“It just shows how strong we are in working with the children and focusing on what’s best for them,” Burnett said.
Burnett brought in the high school band and champion football and volleyball teams to help the grade schoolers celebrate at an assembly.
“Our school community is so strong that even last year when we had a mold situation here at the elementary, everybody in the entire communtiy rallied around the elementary to be able to support our students, support our teachers,” Burnett noted.
Twenty-one schools in Illinois received the honor. There were more than 300 nationwide.
“Congratulations to everyone at our 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, who worked tirelessly all year long to plan, practice, and drive toward excellence in teaching and learning,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith. “The students, principals, teachers, families, and support staff who earned the National Blue Ribbon title this year model innovation and dedication for all of us working in public education, and they should be immensely proud of their hard work. I hope practitioners and leaders statewide look to our 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools for tools and strategies to employ to better serve all students.”
Tri-Valley Middle School was named a Blue Ribbon school in 2012. The high school in 2010.
The U.S. Department of Education initiated the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1982 to bring public attention to exemplary schools in the United States and to facilitate communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
