The New Mexico Public Education Department issued the following press release recently;
SANTA FE — Three New Mexico schools will be honored in the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which recognizes schools for overall academic performance and progress in closing student achievement gaps.
Acequia Madre Elementary in Santa Fe
Albuquerque School of Excellence in Albuquerque
Texico Middle School in Texico
The Blue Ribbon School designation, conferred annually by the U.S. Department of Education, celebrates public and private schools for overall academic excellence or progress closing achievement gaps. New Mexico’s Blue Ribbon Schools are among 297 schools selected nationally this year.
“New Mexico’s Blue Ribbon Schools inspire young minds to excel, maintain high standards, and support all students. This is a prestigious award received by a few schools across the country.” Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus said. “Every New Mexican should take pride in these schools and the extraordinary work they are doing to close achievement gaps, create positive learning environments and set children on the path to academic success.”
Acequia Madre Elementary Principal Dr. Dietger De Maeseneer said he was proud the school received the honor despite challenges brought about by the pandemic.
“Coming out of a global pandemic with a Blue Ribbon award is incredible,” De Maeseneer said. It serves as a testimony to the excellence we are committed to at Acequia Madre even during the most challenging of times. Together we stand tall!”
Albuquerque School of Excellence Principal Mustafa Ayik credits the school’s success to the high bar set for students and staff.
“We are tremendously proud of our campus’s effort each day to instill a culture of high expectations in our school,” Ayik said. “This elite designation endorses how our students approach and overcome challenges, how staff members work together as a team, and how our entire ABQ School of Excellence community collaborates to create the best school environment possible for our students.”
Texico Middle School Principal Dee Rae Timberlake attributes the Blue Ribbon designation to the extensive work of the school’s educators.”
“Our success is credited to our amazing educators and staff at Texico. Mediocrity is not in their vocabulary and that mindset has transferred to our students in our classrooms,” Timberlake said. “This recognition is exciting for our entire district and community.”
New Mexico’s three Blue Ribbon School award recipients will receive awards at a ceremony this November in Washington D.C.
