Pauls Valley Junior High School is one of five schools in the state to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School this year State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said Friday.
Hofmeister was in Pauls Valley to speak to the Pauls Valley Rotary Club, where she made the announcement.
“The reason Pauls Valley Junior High was nominated is because of the work they’ve done in closing the achievement gap,” Hofmeister said. “That is an extraordinary honor because it’s really a testament of the hard work of the community, the teachers and the families, all engaging in growth around students. … I want to congratulate you (Pauls Valley School Superintendent Mike Martin) and the Pauls Valley Community.”
Hofmeister said she expects the announcement to be made publicly by the U.S. Department of Education later this year.
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.
Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. Up to 420 schools from across the nation may be nominated each year.
Over the last 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.
Pauls Valley Superintendent Mike Martin said this is the second time he’s been associated with a Blue Ribbon Schools award winner as an administrator – the first was in 2007 when he served as high school principal in Dickson.
“This award is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a school and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Congratulations to the Pauls Valley community!” Martin said.
Hofmeister’s entire address to the Pauls Valley Rotary Club can be viewed on the “PaulsValley Rotary Club” page on Facebook.
