Three Connecticut Schools Receive National Honor

Three Connecticut schools made this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools list from the U.S. Department of Education, which honors schools that have excelled in academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps.

Among the institutions to receive this year’s Blue Ribbon awards were Meriden’s Israel Putnam Elementary School, Madison’s Daniel Hand High School, and Shelton’s Sunnyside Elementary School.

In a press release announcing the results, Gov. Ned Lamont said the recognition reinforced why Connecticut public schools were considered among the best in the nation.

“Every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for achievement,” Lamont said. “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.”

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.

Israel Putnam Elementary’s accomplishments included progress 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.

State Sen. Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, praised the school’s staff and student population for their efforts.

“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,” 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.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Hand High School made the list due to its exemplary high performance. The school exceeded its performance accountability targets in every year since the 2014-2015 academic year. Last year, its students achieved an 88.4%, earning the “School of Distinction” status for the second consecutive year, according to the governor’s office.

Sunnyside Elementary School also has a history of distinction. During the 2022-2023 school year, Sunnyside students’ academic growth was among the top 10% of schools in math and reading for both high need students and the overall student population, the governor’s office said.

State Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker congratulated all three schools for their achievements.

“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,” she said. “Congratulations to the students, educators, and school leaders on this prestigious honor and for their continued pursuit of excellence.”

Posted By Hugh McQuaid