Posted on 09/30/2019
The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Becky-David Elementary, Daniel Boone Elementary, and Warren Elementary as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The three Francis Howell elementary schools received the prestigious award based on their exemplary high academic performance. Only five other elementary schools in Missouri received the award this year.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the National Blue Ribbon,” said Becky-David Principal Jill Oetting. “Becky-David is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential by providing excellent instruction and a sense of family for each student. This award is a true recognition of all of the hard work our staff and students do every day.”
Daniel Boone Principal Kevin Armour said, “We are very excited to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. We are also extremely proud to be recognized as one of the highest achieving schools in Missouri. This national recognition is a testament to the high expectations that our staff and school community have set for our students and each other.”
“On behalf of the entire Warren Elementary community, we are both humbled and honored,” said Michele Christopher, Warren Elementary Principal. “At Warren Elementary School, we pride ourselves on being ‘Learners and Leaders for Life.’ The Warren Elementary staff have long believed one of the key factors in educating the whole child is engaging students, staff, and families by building a sense of belonging and collaboration.”
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”
Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on 362 schools from across the country for 2019. On November 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with the honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores, and graduation rates:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states. Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at the National Blue Ribbon Schools website. You can also view the FHSD video celebration of our Blue Ribbon Schools on the District Facebook page.