Minot Consolidated School wins National Blue Ribbon recognition
Minot Consolidated School in RSU 16 was among 335 public and private schools across the country, and one of two schools in Maine, to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 by the U.S. Department of Education recently. The other Maine school accorded the honor was Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students demonstrate high achievement learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
Each year, the Maine Department of Education is invited to nominate schools for this recognition. “These nominees need to meet specific national criteria, and the process is quite detailed,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Tom Desjardin. “Congratulations to Minot Consolidated and Coastal Ridge Elementary in being recognized as exemplary high performing schools; this is a huge honor.”
Minot Consolidated School forms the epicenter of the town, where children are educated, town meetings are held, community dinners are served and recreational sporting events are attended. This encourages staff, families and community members to form strong bonds, which create a successful school environment where children are challenged to do their best and rewarded for work well done. Self-confidence, motivation and a sense of personal responsibility are supported by teachers, who differentiate their instruction based on student background, readiness and interest.
“Minot Consolidated School staff, students and parents are thrilled to be receiving the Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence,” said Principal Kim Spencer. “We will continue to represent the Blue Ribbon standards of excellence in education in our learning environments every day by making sure that school is a safe, challenging and fun place to learn and teach.”
In November, Minot Consolidated School Principal Spencer and Coastal Ridge Elementary School Principal Sean Murphy will travel to Washington, D.C. for a two-day event, where they will participate in workshops, attend presentations and have discussions with educators from other National Blue Ribbon Schools. Each school will receive an award plaque and flag to grace their building, affirming the hard work of students, educators, families and communities and serving as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
Last year, Maine’s National Blue Ribbon School for 2014 was Turner Elementary.