Mesa Verde Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday, September 21. On Wednesday, Mesa Verde celebrated being one of the best schools in the country by holding a teacher and student assembly in the school’s playground, where they welcomed Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt, Farmington City Councilwoman Janis Jakino, FMS Board members Robyn Hoffman and Keith Corley, and FMS administrators.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes hundreds of public and private schools across the country for their commitment to educational excellence. These schools receive the National Blue Ribbon of Distinction, an award reserved for schools that boast students who meet and maintain high educational goals.
“Our school was named a National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High-Performing School. We are one out of 325 schools in the nation and only 3 in the state of New Mexico to receive this incredible award. It means the world to us and that our culture of high expectations continues to pay off,” said Pamela Schritter, Principal of Mesa Verde Elementary.
“This recognition is well-earned by every member of the Mesa Verde Elementary staff. We share this honor with our students and their families, the very reason we rise to excellence in every pursuit. Be proud of your school and the community they have built Wildcats Families,” said Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt.
“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
“This is a very prestigious program with a rigorous application process designed to identify and recognize the country’s best schools,” New Mexico Public Education Secretary Designate Kurt Steinhaus said. “Every New Mexican should take pride in Mesa Verde Elementary, Coronado Elementary, and Mesquite Elementary, and the extraordinary work they are doing to close achievement gaps, create positive learning environments, and set children on the path to academic success.” The National Blue Ribbon program facilitates the exchange of information between award-winning schools and those looking for solutions to their own challenges.
Mesa Verde Elementary is the second Farmington Municipal School District school to earn this distinction, which was bestowed to Ladera Del Norte Elementary in 2019.
More on Mesa Verde Elementary:
- In academic year 2021-2022: Mesa Verde has 444 students.
- In academic year 2020-2021: Overall absences were only 3.17 percent!
- Mesa Verde Elementary School achieved a Level 2 certification in Marzano High-Reliability Schools in 2021. A level 2 certification means Mesa Verde has established effective teaching in every classroom.
- From 2014-2019, Mesa Verde has more than doubled its reading proficiency.
- Their success is based on a commitment to safe and supportive environments and effective instruction (HRS levels 1 and 2).
- They are committed to the PLC process, and their teachers use data-driven instruction to write action plans for students who need additional learning opportunities.
- They make sure teachers "stretch," not "stress." Ask them about it.
- Mesa Verde looks meticulously at data.
- The official ceremony for the National Blue Ribbon Schools will be held in Washington D.C. in November. Principal Schritter will be accompanied by 1st-grade teacher Anna Zepeda.