Watkins Middle School in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District has received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award by the United States Department of Education.
Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Schools program has recognized exemplary public and private schools throughout the nation. Each year, this honor is awarded, based on the recommendations of a national panel of educators, to a select few of the nation’s schools for their exemplary educational practices and student achievement.
Should a school choose to complete the extensive application process, they must then be selected as one of the top schools in that state to advance in the selection process. A national panel of educators reviews only those applications submitted by state agencies before choosing which schools will receive a site visit. A report based on that visit is submitted to a national committee that reviews the supporting evidence before selecting schools to receive a Blue Ribbon Schools award.
As a first-time National Blue Ribbon School award-winner, Watkins has earned the highest distinction for public schools. Watkins is being recognized for strong leadership, high-quality teaching, challenging and up-to-date curriculum, and solid evidence of family involvement as well as evidence that students are encouraged to achieve high standards of academic excellence.
Principal Diana Lewis said of the award, "This is a very exciting way to end the year for the students and staff at Watkins. We are very proud to represent the Cypress-Fairbanks district and our community at a national level."
Lewis said that the school received tremendous support from the community, the administration and the Board of Trustees throughout the application process and during the site visit. "This was the work of many, many people," she said.
"This didn’t just simply happen in a year," she added. "Our success is the culmination of the focus from the community and the programs that have been developed over time. I am grateful to everyone in this community that has helped us achieve this honor."
On behalf of the district, Superintendent Rick Berry extended his congratulations to Lewis and the staff, students and parents of Watkins Middle School for this outstanding accomplishment.
"I am pleased that Watkins Middle School has been recognized as one of the best secondary schools in the nation," he said. "Watkins joins 11 other Cypress-Fairbanks ISD schools to have been distinguished as National Blue Ribbon School winners and represents the level of excellence for which this district strives to achieve."
In fall, Watkins will be recognized as one of only 145 Blue Ribbon award-winning schools from all over the U.S. during a special reception in Washington, D.C.
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