On Tuesday, September 29th, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 335 schools across the United States as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

These schools demonstrated that all students can achieve to high levels. Washburn High School won this high honor for their exemplary academic excellence.

“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” Duncan said to the awardees. “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.” Please view the video link announcing this award. See the Washburn HS Blue Ribbon Webpage also.

The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The award flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

Washburn High School is among three high schools in Wisconsin earning this distinction. The state’s highest performing schools are measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

The Department will honor the 285 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools. Dr. Thomas Wiatr, district administrator, Heidi King, principal and Gina Nelson, high school teacher will be in attendance at this ceremony representing Washburn High School.