Union Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School
CELEBRATE! Union Elementary is one of two North Carolina 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools named by the US Department of Education on September 26, 2019. (Links to pictures and video are at the bottom of the page)
The Union Elementary community, including students, staff, and parents, packed the gym at 1pm for the announcement. State Superintendent Mark Johnson joined BCS Superintendent Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Board Members Catherine Cooke, Ellen Milligan, and Charlie Miller along with other district administrators/personnel for the celebration that included a video announcement from US Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and a balloon drop.
“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.”
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.
The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates: Union is Blue Ribbon for the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.
- 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.