Meriden School Awarded National Distinction

MERIDEN, CT — John Barry Elementary School has been awarded a 2019 National Blue Ribbon distinction. The annual award is given to select schools across the nation for demonstrating overall high achievement or success in closing achievement gaps.

"The students, educators, and families of John Barry Elementary School have worked tirelessly and strategically over the last six years to transform their school from Turnaround School status to an Exemplary Gap Closing National Blue Ribbon School," a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont reads.

John Barry Elementary School has 515 students in Grades K-5. Nearly 90 percent of students are from economically-disadvantaged families.

"The school has continuously reduced chronic absenteeism rates and suspensions while improving relationships with families as evidenced by 94 percent of parents responding to school climate questionnaires and nearly 100 percent attendance at school conferences. These conditions create a solid foundation for learning, and students at John Barry Elementary have excelled. In 2017-18, academic growth in ELA and mathematics for students with high needs was among the top 10 percent statewide."

Three other schools in Connecticut also received the distinction:

· North Mianus Elementary School in Greenwich;
· Guilford High School in Guilford;
· Tracey Magnet School in Norwalk

“The success we are seeing at these schools must be credited to the exemplary teachers who are preparing our students for achievements throughout their careers,” Lamont said in a statement.

The Connecticut State Department of Education uses data from the Next Generation Accountability System to nominate schools for the award. Nominated schools must complete an application process and be approved by the U.S. Department of Education. All selected schools in Connecticut were Schools of Distinction in 2017-18. National Blue Ribbon Schools are identified in two categories, Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing and Exemplary High Performing.