U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr today announced that Avondale School District’s Deerfield Elementary has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2016. Only 329 schools across the country and 13 schools from the State of Michigan were chosen for the distinction that recognizes schools achieving very high learning standards or for making notable improvements in closing the achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Deerfield Elementary teacher Ms. Mary Scholz with students
This is the second time that Deerfield Elementary has been named for this honor – only 3 other elementary schools in the State have been named to the list twice. “That Deerfield is on a short list of schools in the State that have been selected to receive this honor twice validates the consistent hard work of the staff, students, and parents,” said Avondale School District Superintendent, Dr. James Schwarz. “The recognition of their commitment to student achievement on the national level is well deserved,” he added.
National Blue Ribbon Schools logo
David Goetz, who was named principal of Deerfield Elementary just prior to the start of the school year, acknowledged the work of the school’s previous principal in qualifying for the award. “Deerfield Elementary’s receipt of the National Blue Ribbon Award this year reflects the dedication of staff and parents working closely with my predecessor, Mr. John Pagel. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a staff and community committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for our students and I’m confident that the work that earned Deerfield this award will continue,” he said.
For more than 33 years, the U.S. Department of Education, through the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, has been celebrating schools across the country for creating safe and welcoming learning environments that are conducive to student success in the classroom. Of the more than 100,000 public and private schools in the United States, Only 8500 have been chosen for the coveted award since its inception. The 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November.
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