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Criss Elementary recognized as National Blue Ribbon School

From staff reports

PARKERSBURG — Criss Elementary was one of three West Virginia schools recognized Tuesday as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The recognition is based on either a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Education. Criss was honored in the category of Exemplary High-Performing School.

“This could not have been achieved without the combined efforts of the entire staff, students, parents and community members,” Criss Principal Heather Grant said in a release from Wood County Schools. “We have worked extremely hard to move from ranking 220th academically in the state to the top 20 for the past four years.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021 on Tuesday while visiting one of the awardees in Illinois.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Criss Elementary School, the administration, the teachers, the staff, the students and the community,” said Wood County Schools Superintendent Will Hosaflook. “Everyone working together is what makes a school excellent, and Criss is a wonderful example of the kind of dedication and cooperation we see in Wood County Schools.”

Next week, Criss will hold a series of Spirit Week events in honor of the recognition.

“I highly commend the Criss family for their unwavering dedication to provide our students with the best possible opportunities to succeed,” Grant said.

The other schools recognized in West Virginia were Crescent Elementary in Raleigh County and Rock Branch Elementary in Putnam County.

The state’s U.S. Senate delegation congratulated the schools.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled three West Virginia schools are being recognized for their academic excellence and their tireless work to provide all students with a great education, regardless of their background,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “Thank you to all the teachers and faculty who have worked to create exemplary learning environments for our West Virginia students.”

“Ensuring West Virginia’s students have access to a quality education is so important to our state’s future, and these schools went above and beyond to create an environment for students to learn and thrive,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication of everyone at the three Blue Ribbon schools recognized this year, and know they will continue to be exemplary models for student excellence and achievement for years to come.”

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” Cardona said in the release. “I commend all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect and teach our children.”

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