Shari Rooks, principal of Cottonwood Elementary, explained the school’s mission: “As a staff, we talk a lot about how our job at the elementary level is to teach reading, math and kindness.”
Sounds simple? It isn’t. The teacher shortage, burnout from COVID and the destructive impacts of social media are just some of the challenges that Kansas public schools face daily.
However, Cottonwood Elementary, Andover, USD 383; Morris Hill Elementary, Geary County, USD 475; and R.L. Wright Elementary, Sedgwick, USD 439 have met those challenges and more.
These three Kansas schools were named last year’s Blue Ribbon schools by the U.S. Department of Education based on high state and national test scores.
The schools also provide an example of the diversity of Kansas school districts.
Cottonwood is in the growing suburbs east of Wichita. At Morris Hill, 90 percent of the students come from military families, many of whom have lived all over the world, and 43 languages are spoken in the district. And R.L. Wright is located in a small town of 1,600 people.
Despite the differences in their districts, school leaders at each school said their success was based on building strong relationships between students and parents, teachers and staff. Those relationships lead to a caring community and an elevated level of trust. At R.L. Wright, high school students help mentor elementary students.
Along with relationship-building, the schools emphasize extensive professional development and constant analysis of student data to monitor progress. They are also trying to expand opportunities for pre-kindergarten learning to help students start kindergarten socially and emotionally ready for school.
It’s a lot of work, but that is what Kansas educators do across the state. Every year, Kansas public schools win Blue Ribbon recognition. It is a testament to the commitment of our educators, families, and communities.
Read more about each Blue Ribbon school honoree:
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