By SALINA POST
Herington Elementary School in Herington, Kansas, has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, marking the second time the school has received this prestigious honor.
The U.S. Department of Education made the announcement on September 23, recognizing the school for its continued commitment to excellence in education. Herington Elementary is one of only four schools in Kansas to receive this award in 2024.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic performance and efforts to close achievement gaps among student groups. Schools can earn recognition in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools, which are among the top-performing schools in their state, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, which excel in narrowing achievement gaps between student subgroups. Herington Elementary was recognized for its outstanding efforts in both areas.
Herington Elementary submitted a comprehensive application to the U.S. Department of Education, detailing its academic programs, instructional practices, and school culture. The application highlighted the school’s use of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), which tailors interventions to students’ individual needs and tracks their progress to ensure their success. The school’s Railway Behavior Expectations, developed in collaboration with teachers, parents, and students, further support positive behavior and social-emotional learning.
In response to the award, Herington Elementary staff members expressed their pride and excitement.
DeAn Knopp, the school’s librarian and media specialist, praised the hard work of teachers, students, and administrators.
“Our teachers spend many hours analyzing data and creating lessons that meet the specific needs of students. Our students respond to the specialized instruction in small groups and improve skills in some very dramatic ways,” Knopp said.
Melissa Brunner, USD 487 Director of Student Learning, expressed her excitement about Herington Elementary being honored as a 2024 Blue Ribbon School.
“We have top-notch educators led by a building administrator dedicated to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Our staff not only works diligently to help meet students and families where they are at, but works together to help students progress through our system. At Herington Elementary School, we have high standards for our students and for ourselves. Some days, being an educator can feel like a thankless job; however, every day our teachers show up and are here for our kids, and to me it is a pleasure and honor to work alongside them in our district. I could not be more proud of our teaching staff, our building principal, and our students,” Brunner said.
The school’s principal, Dr. Nicholas Morgan, credited the entire school community for the achievement.
“To receive this award a second time really speaks to the incredible educational system that has been created and developed at USD487 and Herington Elementary School. Being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School affirms the hard work of our students, educators, families, and community in creating a safe and welcoming school environment where students really do thrive,” he said.
Herington Elementary last received this honor in 2007.
A celebration ceremony will be held on Friday, October 11, at 12:30 p.m. in the Herington Elementary School gymnasium. The event will be open to the public, including media outlets, former staff members, community members, and HES families. Following the ceremony, there will be student and family activities, weather permitting.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, visit the official website at nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.