NEWS RELEASE: Three New Mexico schools honored with Blue Ribbon Award

For Immediate Release

Contact: Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D.

Director of Communications

New Mexico Public Education Department

505-709-5543

janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov

Oct. 1, 2024

Three New Mexico schools honored with Blue Ribbon Award

SANTA FE, NM — Three New Mexico schools have been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as National Blue Ribbon Schools, a prestigious designation that reflects exemplary academic performance or progress.

The New Mexico schools—among 356 selected nationwide—are:

White Sands School—Las Cruces Public Schools

Zia Elementary School—Clovis Municipal Schools

Ventana Ranch Elementary School—Albuquerque Public Schools

National Blue Ribbon Schools excel in academic performance (Exemplary High Performing School) or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups (Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School). All three NM schools were recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools.

“Congratulations to all the 2024 New Mexico Blue Ribbon awardees,” said Public Education Secretary Designate Mariana D. Padilla. “This accomplishment reflects the hard work that students, families, educators and administrators are doing together across the state to improve student achievement.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities and educators is a key component of their success.

“This prestigious recognition is a direct reflection of our dedication to district initiatives, the curriculum and Las Cruces Public Schools’ strategic plan to be a place where all learners thrive,” said White Sands School Principal James Dickerson

“The Blue Ribbon Award is an incredible achievement and a true testament to the outstanding leadership and dedication of the White Sands staff," said Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. "This recognition is well-deserved, and we're all thrilled to celebrate this success!”

“I cannot fully express how proud I am of our teachers and students for their dedication and hard work every day," said Zia Elementary School Principal Kaylene Davis. "Their unwavering commitment to excellence is what makes Zia a National Blue Ribbon School. Our teachers use data-driven instruction processes to guide their teaching decisions, which has a profound impact on student performance and learning.”

"We are incredibly proud of the dedicated staff, talented students and supportive families at Zia Elementary who work together to create a dynamic and thriving learning environment,” said Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Renee Russ.

“Ventana Ranch Elementary School is genuinely honored to receive the Blue Ribbon Award, which reflects our school community's collective efforts and dedication," said Ventana Ranch Elementary School Principal Paula Garcia. "One of the unique strengths of our school is our unwavering commitment to following our curriculum with fidelity. This approach ensures consistency and clarity in instruction, allowing us to provide a high-quality learning experience for every student.”

"Albuquerque Public Schools is thrilled by Ventana Ranch Elementary's selection as a Blue Ribbon School," said Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. "It's confirmation that a school community working together can make a difference in students' education. I congratulate Principal Paula Garcia, her team at Ventana Ranch and the school's students, teachers and parents for all their hard work. They're an inspiration to all of us.”

Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership and family and community involvement.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Department of Education invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/ .

##

The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, NMPED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the NMPED on Facebook and Instagram .

This email was sent to pressrelease@mail.rtsclients.com

why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences

NM PED · 300 Don Gaspar Ave. | Santa Fe, NM 87501 · Santa Fe area, New Mexico 87051 · USA