JBER school named National Blue Ribbon School

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The U.S. Department of Education has recognized a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson school as one of the best schools in the country.

Aurora Elementary School was the only school in Alaska to be named a National Blue Ribbon School. The honor is reserved for 236 public and 50 private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' levels of achievement, according to www.ed.gov.

"Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education."

Aurora distinguished itself with outstanding academic achievement. Ninety-two percent of eligible students at the school scored proficient or better on the state-assessed reading, writing and math exams.

"Aurora's overall academic excellence can be attributed to several factors," said Debbie Washington, Aurora principal. "Using assessment data to guide instruction, teacher collaboration, parent-teacher communication, staff development of a positive rapport with students and families [all contribute]."

Additionally, Aurora boasts a 96 percent attendance rate, which is unprecedented for a school with a transiency rate as high as theirs, said Heather Roach, Anchorage School District Communications Department.

"Parents are supportive of their children attending school on a regular and timely basis," Washington said.

As impressive as their attendance rate is, merely showing up would not garner an honor as distinguished as this.

"Students have the mindset to do their best job at all times, to complete their homework assignments in a timely manner, to participate in class discussions and to be involved in school activities," Washington said. "Aurora is worthy of the Blue Ribbon Award because of our perseverance and the academic performance of the students."

The principal also attributed a good deal of Aurora's success to its teachers.

"Teachers play a vital role," Washington said. "Quality instruction is one of the important components for academic success."

The Department of Education will honor all 236 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony Nov. 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C.