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Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, welcomed news Monday that Meriden’s Israel Putnam Elementary School had been named as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School — an annual award given to schools that show outstanding performance or success in closing achievement gaps.
“As a former teacher, I’m overjoyed to see the students, educators, and support staff of Israel Putnam Elementary recognized for their hard work and dedication,” Senator Hochadel said. “This honor puts a Meriden school among a select group across the nation and everyone in our city should be proud of what these students and the school community has accomplished.”
National Blue Ribbon School awards are granted by the U.S. Department of Education, which recognized Israel Putnam Elementary’s exemplary accomplishments in closing achievement gaps.
The school serves 482 students, of which about 80% are eligible for free or reduced price meals while 19% are multi-language learners. Israel Putnam students ranked in the top 10% of growth in mathematics, both for high needs students and for all students, and achieved about 88% of their growth targets in 2022-2023.
Israel Putnam Elementary was one of just three schools across Connecticut to earn the award this year. Daniel Hand High School in Madison and Sunnyside Elementary in Shelton were also named.
All three schools were nominated for the award by the State Department of Education, which based its choices off 2022-2023 data from the Next Generation Accountability System.
“Connecticut’s public schools are considered among the best in the nation, and that is because of the top-quality teachers and staff in our school systems who provide a high level of learning that is helping our students achieve success,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “Every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for achievement. There’s no doubt that we must continue working to close persistent achievement gaps, but I firmly believe that the strong work of so many of our educators is having an impact. I congratulate these three public schools in Madison, Meriden, and Shelton on earning this national distinction and I wish them continued success.”
“The Connecticut State Department of Education congratulates all of the schools named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools,” Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said. “These schools exemplify Connecticut’s dedication to fostering educational environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential, preparing them for academic success as well as life and work beyond school. Congratulations to the students, educators, and school leaders on this prestigious honor and for their continued pursuit of excellence.” |
