Three Wyoming schools ranked among the nation’s elite…

Three schools in Wyoming were recognized Monday by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools, out of 356 schools nationwide.

For more than 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized public and private schools that demonstrate educational excellence, partnerships with families and teachers, high standards, and are data-driven.

“Receiving this distinction means that your schools are raising the bar with your amazing educators and students,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said Monday in announcing the winning schools. “It means that your school is the pride of your community and a model for schools across the country. You are showing us what happens when we promote best practices in teaching, when we empower students to discover their unique superpowers and share them with the world.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, to be eligible for nomination, public schools must meet criteria based on student performance on state tests, graduation rates and other metrics.

“The National Blue Ribbon nomination comes from the state Department of (Education),” Thermopolis Principal Darren Luehne said. “It comes from outside our community and from the state level, so we were very honored to achieve and even receive the nomination. To be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is very special.”

Parkside Elementary School, Powell

Parkside Elementary School is a two-site school serving more than 200 students in grades K-5, and Principal Jason Hillman was thrilled with the recognition.

It was the school’s second such recognition since 2012. The principal announced the award over the school’s intercom on Monday morning and is planning a special gathering in the coming weeks to celebrate.

“It was very hard not to say anything when we were notified, we were just so excited,” he said. “Our vision for our school is that we are going to be the kindest, most successful school in the state. Our kids really believe in that, and our teachers and parents do, too.

“For the past four years, our kids have done really well on the state assessment. I am so proud of our students, staff and parents. It is a true reflection of our school community.”

Sagebrush Elementary School, Sheridan

This is the third Blue Ribbon award for Sagebrush Elementary School, which has 326 students in grades K-5. It first received the award in 2009 and again in 2018. It is the first elementary school in Wyoming to receive the Blue Ribbon distinction three times.

“We’re definitely going to be celebrating all year long,” said Sagebrush Principal Justin Roher. “This award is just a tribute to everyone doing their part and knowing how much we value education. When the community comes together and really supports our teachers and the school district, it shows how much we can do with our students.”

Thermopolis High School

This is the first time Thermopolis High School has received the Blue Ribbon School distinction.

To celebrate, the award was announced to the 187 students during a special assembly, complete with balloon release.

“I think it’s important that we treat this as another chapter because as a school we want to continue to grow and meet their needs,” Thermopolis Principal Darren Luebe said. “It’s an incredible accomplishment for the district, our community and our school, but it also shows us that we can do it and that we need to continue to strive for this type of greatness year after year.”

Three Wyoming schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in late November, where school representatives will receive plaques and flags recognizing their school’s exemplary status.

Jackie Dorothy you can contact us at [email protected].