RVE Receives National Blue Ribbon School Award

by Ronnie Zamora/LFCISD

Rancho Verde Elementary proudly accepted National Blue Ribbon School award by the U.S. Department of Education at a ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.

RVE was one of 26 schools in Texas and 342 schools nationally to receive the award. There were only two other schools from the Rio Grande Valley recognized. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Receiving the National Blue Ribbon Plaque Tuesday was RVE Principal Maria Elisa Pineda and Dyxlexia Supplemental Services (DSS) teacher Darcy Boles.

Pineda will also be presented a Blue Ribbon flag, which will be flown over the campus at a future date.

Betsy DeVos, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, celebrated with the honored schools.

At the ceremony, school representatives and supporters have an opportunity to share ideas, converse with USDE officials about excellence in education, and attend a networking reception.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

This coveted award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,500 schools. All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.