• Friday, September 29, 2017
    ALEXANDRIA, Minn. -- Woodland Elementary School, a K-5 elementary school in Alexandria Public Schools, has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2017 by the U.S. Department of Education. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.|

    Annually, 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.

    Woodland Elementary is one of 342 schools in the nation and one of 8 schools from Minnesota to be recognized in 2017. All schools are honored in one of two performance categories – Exemplary High Performing or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. The award lists Woodland Elementary as an Exemplary High Performing School, which places Woodland among Minnesota’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

    “Student academic success takes a team effort. The Blue Ribbon Award is a proud moment for the Woodland staff, who are working tirelessly to grow each student in their learning,” stated Darla Harstad, Principal. “It is an incredibly special honor for our students as well, who demonstrate determination and effort in developing their understanding and skills every day. We absolutely love our school and look forward to celebrating this honor along with our Woodland families and the Alexandria community in the months ahead.”  

    The 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 6-7 in Washington, D.C. Each school receives a banner and plaque. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will preside over the ceremonies.

    “This award is a tremendous honor for Woodland as well as our school district,” added Superintendent Julie Critz. “This great accomplishment highlights the hard work and dedication of both students and staff to ensure the highest levels of academic achievement.”           

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    If you have any additional questions, please contact Darla Harstad - Principal, Woodland Elementary School, (320) 762-3300 ext. 4130, djharstad@alexschools.org.