Kinard was one of 335 schools across the nation to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in a special announcement Sept. 29. Schools were selected based on
their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The award affirms the hard work of students, teachers, families and school communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
"We are very excited and honored to be a 2015 Blue Ribbon School," Kinard principal Jesse Morrill said. "This award is the result of all of the hard work put in by our teachers, support staff, students, parents, and community since Kinard’s doors opened in 2004. We have remained steadfast in our mission to ensure high levels of learning for all students, and this tremendous recognition certainly validates the work.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan presented a special video message to the 2015 awardees. "This honor recognizes your students' accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success," said Duncan." Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you."
Kinard is the first PSD middle school and the fourth PSD school to receive this special designation (Kinard's Blue Ribbon School profile posted here). Other PSD National Blue Ribbon Schools include Kruse Elementary (2014 award), Traut Core Knowledge Elementary (2013 award) and Werner Elementary (2008 award).