Feds tap four South Dakota schools in latest round of Blue Ribbon recognition
Feds tap four South Dakota schools in latest round of Blue Ribbon recognition
Educators at O’Gorman, Lennox, Aberdeen and Warner praised for 'commitment to excellence for all students'
Four South Dakota schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
Christ the King Elementary (O’Gorman Catholic Schools, Sioux Falls), Lennox Elementary School (Lennox School District), Lincoln Elementary School (Aberdeen School District) and Warner High School (Warner School District) are among the schools earning the distinction, according to the South Dakota Department of Education.
Of the four, Lennox Elementary, Christ the King Elementary and Warner High School were acknowledged for their high performance in English and mathematics, while Lincoln Elementary earned Blue Ribbon status for closing achievement gaps.
“Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that demonstrate a commitment to excellence for all students,” South Dakota Education Secretary Joe Graves said. “The work at Lennox Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Christ the King Elementary, and Warner High School reflects the efforts of talented teachers, hardworking students, and dedicated leadership.”
The principals of the award-winning schools credited their success to outstanding teachers and supportive communities. Each school has developed its own approach to achieving academic excellence, according to DOE.
At Lennox Elementary, a data-centered strategy enables teachers to assess students individually, allowing them to tailor lessons to address learning gaps and build on existing knowledge.
Lincoln Elementary has implemented targeted math and reading interventions, helping students master foundational skills. The school also offers a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program, providing hands-on, project-based learning opportunities.
Christ the King Elementary combines data analysis with small-group instruction to meet the unique needs of each student.
Warner High School employs a traditional educational approach, focusing on core academic subjects taught by experienced staff who maintain high expectations for all students.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes a select group of schools across the country each year, celebrating their academic achievements and contributions to educational excellence.
Congratulations to all schools and those who work so hard to achieve this recognition. Each time a school is recognized our students / our families / our cities / our state wins. New, more stringent criteria had been put into place through the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Program, which allowed O’Gorman to apply for the award in 2005, 2014 and again in 2021. O’Gorman is one of only eight high schools in the entire state to ever receive that distinction and the only one to have received it four times.
Congratulations to all involved!