The Perry Elementary School’s recent winning of Blue Ribbon status from the U.S. Department of Education — one of only five elementary schools in Iowa to achieve the honor this year — was celebrated at Monday night’s meeting of the Perry School Board.
Perry Elementary School Principal Dr. Ryan Marzen and PCSD Director of Learning Supports Laura Skeel told the school board that the hard work and dedication of PES teachers, staff, students and families are what made the achievement of Blue Ribbon School status possible.
The Perry Elementary School was one of five Iowa schools recognized in September by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 in honor of the school’s status as an Exemplary High-Performing School.
Nationwide, only 353 schools received the National Blue Ribbon School honor. The Perry Elementary School’s status as an Exemplary High-Performing School is based on the Perry students’ performance on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress.
The Blue Ribbon Award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve, Cardona said. Since the inauguration of the Blue Ribbon Schools in 1982, only 138 Iowa schools have received this award and of these, only 74 other Iowa Elementary Schools have earned this distinction.
Perry Elementary School is now among those elite ranks of high performers.
“Each year, the U.S. Department of Education works with state departments of education to identify and nominate outstanding schools for this coveted award based on student academic achievement measures and progress toward closing achievement gaps,” according to the National Blue Ribbon Schools website. “Through a rigorous review process, the U.S. Department of Education awards several hundred outstanding schools annually, to celebrate their achievement. This prestigious award serves not only as a symbol of exemplary American schools, but also as inspiration for schools across the nation. It affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students thrive.”
Marzen and Skeel said a celebration acknowledging the work of the PES community will be held soon, including a school picture with students and staff wearing custom-made T-shirts.
