Page 37 - The Edge - Winter 2017

4 ARIZONA SCHOOLS HONORED
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Education Secretary John King Jr. said they are
“proof that we can prepare every child for college
and meaningful careers,” in a video statement
announcing the schools.
“Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering
innovative educational practices – professional
learning communities, project-based learning, social
and emotional learning, positive behavior systems –
making you shining examples for your communities,
your state and the nation,” King said in the statement.
So while the rest of the nation was focused on the
elections November 8, the school o cials were being
recognized by the Department of Education.
Jack Barnes Elementary School Principal Laura
Valenciano said at the ceremony that educators from
her school were “very excited to be here and very
proud to have been selected and recognized as a Blue Kirsti Pashley, former principal at Vista del Sur Traditional School in Laveen, said the Blue Ribbon
Ribbon School.” School designation was an honor for “our staff, our students and our community.”
Jack Barnes Elementary was recognized for
maintaining exemplary academic performance from
students, according to the department.
Schools are nominated for the National Blue
Ribbon award by their state’s department of
education. e nominated schools then complete
an application about their practices in which they
can apply to be recognized as an exemplary high-
performing school or as one of the leading schools in
their state for the fastest progress in closing student
achievement gaps.
e four Arizona schools honored this year follow
12 in the state that had been recognized previously.
In its 34th year, the blue ribbon has been granted to
8,500 schools across the nation.
Pashley, the former principal at Vista Del Sur, said
at the award ceremony that she was honored to see
the school’s work acknowledged at a national level.
“Our sta , our students and our community
worked so hard for this,” Pashley said. “So to be
recognized at a national level is amazing. It’s pretty Laura Valenciano, principal of Jack Barnes Elementary School in Queen Creek, was
amazing that little Laveen is here, we worked so “very proud” her school was honored as Blue Ribbon School for its exemplary academic
performance.
hard.”
But the Arizona educators said they were also
excited to be in Washington on Election Day, and planned to stick “Our staff, our students and our
around for Election Night. community worked so hard for this. So
Valenciano, who was in the city for the rst time, said she was
going to make her way toward the White House for the evening. to be recognized at a national level is
“It’s exciting to be in D.C., period,” Valenciano said. “But it’s
certainly something else to be here on Election Day.” amazing. It’s pretty amazing that little
Pashley said it “surreal to be here during election time,” but
didn’t let that keep her from voting. Laveen is here, we worked so hard.”
“It’s a unique experience,” Pashley said. “I made sure I did my — Kristi Pashley
early ballot.”

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