Medlock Bridge Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

Medlock Bridge Elementary School in Johns Creek has become the 10th school in Fulton County to be named a National Blue Ribbon School, a recognition given by the U.S. Department of Education to honor schools with superior academic performance or gains in achievement.

Medlock Bridge was named in the Exemplary High Performing category and is among Georgia’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School means the world to our school community,” said Principal Tiffany Hutchens. “Every day we put in the work to make Medlock Bridge a place where students are excited to learn and challenged to do their best. I am so proud of our staff and I am very appreciative of our parents and community partners who have supported us along the way.”

After the public announcement, parents decorated trees in the front lawn with blue streamers to celebrate the school’s Blue Ribbon status. The school website also carried an explanatory, but celebratory, message:

“It’s not a rumor. It’s definitely true. Medlock Bridge has just been named 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. Medlock Bridge Elementary School is now blue.”

“Medlock Bridge is an example of what happens when you mix students who are eager to learn with hard-working teachers and staff, and add strong leadership and a supportive community,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa. “It’s a recipe for success and leads to a well-deserved national recognition.”

The National Blue Ribbon School program was founded in 1982 and recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at exceptionally high levels, or where significant improvements in academic achievement are being made.

Schools in the Exemplary High Performing category are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Schools in the Exemplary Improving category serve populations with a high percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and demonstrate significant progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are honored at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and each receive a plaque and flag to signify their exemplary status. The schools’ achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website, and the principals and teacher leaders of National Blue Ribbon schools are called on to give presentations at state, regional, and professional meetings about the practices that made a difference for their students and faculty.

The schools are nominated by the U.S. Secretary of Education, the chief state school officer in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education.

A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated, with the number of nominations in each state determined by the number of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. A total of eight schools received the 2014 distinction in Georgia.

(Photo credit: Patch file)