November State Board of Education Meeting to Provide Deserved Recognition Following End of Federal Program
LANSING – Weidman Elementary, part of the Chippewa Hills School District, is one of 16 high-performing Michigan schools that are being recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
“This incredible honor reflects Weidman Elementary’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, data-driven instruction, and strong community partnerships that ensure each student thrives," said Weidman Elementary Principal Starr Lederer. "Our amazing students, staff, and families work together daily to make Weidman a place where every Warrior levels up!”
The State Board of Education will hold a special ceremony at its Nov. 13 meeting to honor the Michigan public schools that the department nominated as Blue Ribbon Schools.
“Students and parents, school staff, and local communities deserve to be honored for the outstanding achievement by our Blue Ribbon Schools,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. “These schools serve as an example to others and, at the same time, are representative of the accomplishments and progress at schools around the state.”
MDE nominated the schools for being Exemplary High-Performing Schools, which are among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
In previous years, the U.S. Department of Education bestowed the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools designation in recognition of schools that excelled in academic performance or made significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. However, this year the federal education department discontinued the national program after the nominations had been submitted.
“MDE and the State Board of Education want to make sure these outstanding schools in our state get the recognition they deserve,” said board President Dr. Pamela Pugh. “These Michigan schools are worthy of national attention, so it is very disappointing that Blue Ribbon Schools no longer will be honored by the U.S. Department of Education. State board members are looking forward to learning more about the successes of these schools.”
Recognition of the outstanding schools is scheduled for 9:40 a.m. during the State Board of Education meeting at the John A. Hannah Building in Lansing. The Nov. 13 meeting also will be livestreamed with a link that will be posted on the homepage of Michigan.gov/MDE on that date. A team from Weidman Elementary will attend to accept this prestigious award.