Four schools in Connecticut have received the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation this week, an honor that recognizes significant achievements in student learning. This recognition comes despite the cessation of the federal Blue Ribbon Schools program by the Trump administration in August 2023.
Erin Benham, Vice Chair of the Connecticut State Board of Education, expressed pride in the accomplishments of these schools. “The Blue Ribbon School award is the highest distinction that you can have at any American school, so we are just so proud that Connecticut has four of them,” she stated. The schools honored include the House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain, Gildersleeve School in Portland, Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, and Weston Intermediate School in Weston.
Governor Ned Lamont announced in September that the state would honor the four schools, which had already been selected for recognition by the federal Department of Education. The schools fell into two categories: exemplary high-performing and exemplary achievement gap closing. According to Charlene Russell-Tucker, Commissioner of Education, three of the four schools excelled in both categories.
The State Board of Education utilized data from its next-generation accountability system for nominations. This system goes beyond just test scores, considering various indicators that contribute significantly to a student’s overall success in school. “The system helps us measure school and district success towards the goal of providing every student a quality education that prepares every student for learning life and for work throughout school,” Russell-Tucker noted.
The recognition is particularly significant given the recent federal decision to discontinue the National Blue Ribbon Schools program. Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor, emphasized the importance of celebrating educational excellence in Connecticut. “In these challenging and uncertain times, as the federal government has stopped the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, it’s more important than ever to celebrate excellence in public education right here in our own state,” she remarked.
The impact of state funding on these schools was highlighted by Charles Britton, Superintendent of Portland schools. He credited the state’s School Improvement Grant for facilitating additional staff at Gildersleeve School, including a full-time reading specialist who later became the school’s principal. “We used funding from the grant to transform Gildersleeve into a high-functioning professional learning community, which I wholeheartedly believe is the linchpin in not only the transformation, but the sustained high performance of Gildersleeve School,” Britton explained.
Former principal of Weston Intermediate School, Patti Falber, emphasized the significance of recognizing schools that excel academically. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work happening every day in our classrooms, our learning spaces, our hallways, and beyond,” she declared.
The honor bestowed upon these four schools serves as a reminder of the commitment to educational excellence within Connecticut, showcasing the state’s dedication to fostering environments where students can thrive.
