ENFIELD — Superintendent Amanda Isabelle and Principal Jamie Winny are proud to announce that Enfield Village School (EVS) was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. The winning schools are held up as examples for other schools across the country.
The award honors both public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among subgroups of students.
The Enfield Village School was honored specifically for consistently high academic achievement, high levels of growth and achievement among special education students, and for their commitment to supporting students, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are thrilled to have attained this distinguished honor and to be recognized as an example for schools across the nation," Principal Winny said. "Achieving this award would not have been possible without support from our entire community, including our staff, our public safety officials, parents and so many more. They all collaboratively work to create a rich and welcoming learning environment for our students."
The Chief State School Officer in each state may nominate a limited number of schools for the awards based on the size of the state. New Hampshire education officials can nominate only three schools per year. Nationwide, no more than 420 schools may be nominated for the award each year. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced this year's 297 honorees on Friday.
"At Enfield Village School, and throughout the Mascoma Valley Regional School District, we strive to give our students the best possible educational opportunities, and promote a positive and welcoming school climate and culture," Superintendent Isabelle said. "This award is shared amongst our dedicated teachers and staff members, our hardworking students, and the greater community who supports Enfield Village School on a daily basis. Congratulations to EVS and everyone who helped achieve this distinguished honor."
Enfield Village School serves students in pre-K to fourth grade, and encourages strong ties between the community and its students. Students regularly visit the Town Library, and police officers often visit to have lunch with students. The school also aims to provide students with opportunities to connect their learning to the world by accessing local resources, including the Northern Rail Trail and Shaker Museum. EVS also has recently received a grant to create an outdoor classroom on campus to further engage students in learning outside of the classroom.
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 1982 to focus public attention on the best schools in the country, while also creating opportunities for educators to share best practices within and amongst schools.