CULLMAN, Ala. – East Elementary School in Cullman has been selected for one of the most prestigious federal education awards in the country.
The Cullman City Schools elementary school has been selected as one of just five schools out of more than 1,380 schools in Alabama to be named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. The last time such an honor was received in the Cullman City Schools system was 15 years ago in 2009, when West Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
In order to receive this distinguished honor, schools must be nominated by the state superintendent of education — and the award is given to just 356 schools out of more than 100,000 nationwide each year. National Blue Ribbon Schools must be either an exemplary high-performing school in math and ELA or must be an exemplary achievement gap closing school in math and ELA.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Representatives from East Elementary will join representatives from prestigious schools across America in Washington D.C. in November to be presented this honor by Cardona.
“I am happy for the faculty, staff and administrators at East Elementary School. This type of national honor is hard to come by. This recognition is a testament to the dedication our teachers have to their students and families as well as the teaching profession,” Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “It is surreal to be one of the five school systems representing Alabama in Washington D.C. Our Board sets a vision of high expectations and my job is to make that vision a reality. However, the true work takes place within the classrooms of our schools. The day to day nurturing, rigorous instruction and interventions by our teachers is why East and our school system is receiving this honor.”
East Elementary School Principal Melanie Harris noted receiving this honor is incredibly rare as an educator, adding she is proud of the hard work of the students and educators at EES who made it happen.
“I would like to credit our teachers for being intentional in utilizing every moment during the school day to move students toward proficiency, our additional support staff for making our school culture, climate and building a safe place to work and learn, and our families and other stakeholders for contributing to the learning process and always being willing to meet any need that may arise,” she said.
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning — and East Elementary will now proudly display one. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
East Elementary School serves approximately 470 students in grades 3-6. In addition to daily differentiated instruction, elementary students in Cullman City receive art, music and STEM classes as well as additional math and reading instruction by interventionists.
