By Ashely Cohen
Staff Writer
Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s Robinson Elementary School is now a National Blue Ribbon School as of a Sept. 14 notification from United States Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan.
Joining the ranks of past winners of Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach Middle School and Pacific Elementary School, Robinson was one of the 286 schools to receive the Blue Ribbon honor this year.
“It has taken years of dedication among our staff, parents and administration to achieve this,” Robinson second grade teacher Liz Herbert said.
To be nominated, schools must be recognized by the State Superintendent of Instruction and demonstrate at least five years of continuous academic excellence.
After being nominated last December, Robinson completed an application in February to become a National Blue Ribbon School, determined by the United States Department of Education.
“It means so much to myself and the school as a whole to be recognized,” Robinson Principal Nancy Doyle said. “We are truly honored to receive this significant national recognition.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was founded in 1982, recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools.
Blue Ribbon schools are indicated by state testing, or where significant improvements are made in students’ academic achievement, such as when a school with at least 40 percent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds improves its state testing scores.
“Despite the real challenges that students, families and communities face, with great teachers, great principals, hard work and vital support, every student can have the American dream,” Duncan said in a press release.
According to Doyle, she has been able to support the teachers by developing their natural abilities and encouraging collaboration in the school environment.
“I feel blessed to work with such amazing people who are dedicated to their work,” Herbert said.
Robinson held a celebration on Oct. 1 to honor its Blue Ribbon Award. Eight students spoke, and there was a flash mob to the song “We Can Be Anything.” A national celebration in Washington, D.C. will be held on Nov. 18 and 19, which Doyle and one teacher are invited to attend.
“Teachers make it exciting to learn with the enthusiasm in their voices and the passion in what they do,” Robinson fifth grader Owen Buckley said. “It makes you want to learn more.”
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