Springhill Elementary, part of Bryant School District, was recently recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence – out of only 297 in the nation that were recognized. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. Schools are recognized based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. These schools are widely regarded as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed more than 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently announced 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. “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 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,” he said.
Principal Russ Sherrill said, “Achieving this recognition is a tremendous honor. Like all schools across this state, we too work hard and spend long hours to ensure that our students are academically, socially, and emotionally successful. Every day I am so thankful for the efforts of our faculty and staff, the hard work of our students, the support from our parents, and the vision and direction we receive from our district. This community of learners is amazing, and I am blessed to be part of it.”
Springhill Elementary has a student population of 560 in grades K-5. The school achieved Leader in Me Lighthouse School status in 2019 recognizing the school as a great example of a strong leadership model and of what it means to be a Leader in Me school. Each year the school makes significant gains in student achievement and has been celebrated as an Arkansas Reward School and recognized for high growth scores through the Office for Education Policy (OEP).
Bryant Superintendent, Dr. Karen Walters, said, “I could not be more proud of the staff and administrators at Springhill. It is so good to see their hard work, dedication, and love for the students recognized with a national honor. Springhill Elementary is extremely deserving of this recognition. They have created a culture of high expectation that lays the foundation for every student to succeed.
“I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and success,” said Pam Kenney, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary. Springhill is planning a Blue Ribbon celebration for their entire school community in the following weeks.