Rousseau Elementary School honored as a 2018 Blue Ribbon School and designated as “Exemplary High Performing” by the U.S. Department of Education

Background

Rousseau Elementary School has been honored as a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The school earned this distinction for its overall academic performance and its progress in closing achievement gaps. Rousseau is one of only 349 schools in the country and four in Nebraska to earn the honor this year. Rousseau Principal Wendy Badje and Assistant Principal Wendy Barry traveled to Washington, D.C., in November to accept the award on behalf of the school.

Explanation

The U.S. Department of Education has named Rousseau Elementary School a Blue Ribbon School for 2018. Rousseau learned about the honor this fall after going through a rigorous application and review process. The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools. Honored schools are chosen based on their overall academic performance and their progress in closing achievement gaps. Rousseau was one of only 349 schools in the country and four in Nebraska to receive the honor this year. Rousseau becomes the sixth school within Lincoln Public Schools to earn the award since it began in 1982.

Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt said the following about the Blue Ribbon honor:

“The four Nebraska honorees, including Rousseau Elementary, are shining examples of hard work and determination. These schools are demonstrating what it takes to complete the important work of closing achievement gaps to ensure all students have an equitable opportunity to succeed and to be college, career and civic ready.”

Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel said this about Rousseau’s honor:

“Congratulations to Dr. Badje and her team of focused educators and the staff that support their work with students. We have excellent schools in Lincoln and are incredibly proud when they are recognized for performing at extraordinary levels.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Rousseau Elementary has been honored as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, Rousseau Elementary was one of only 349 schools in the country and four in Nebraska to earn this distinction in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Rousseau Elementary was chosen for this honor because of its overall academic performance and ability to close achievement gaps; and

WHEREAS, Rousseau Elementary is a Blue Ribbon School because of its dedication to every one of its students; and

WHEREAS, Rousseau Elementary earned this honor because of the hard work and commitment of its students.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Rousseau Elementary School for being named a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Updated April 1, 2019