Stafford County School Named National Blue Ribbon School

STAFFORD, VA — U. S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recently named Rodney E. Thompson Middle School a 2019 Exemplary High Performing Schools National Blue Ribbon School. The award recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

The National Blue Ribbon School award also affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content, according to a news release from Stafford County Public Schools.

Administrative staff at Thompson credit the strong sense of community among educators at the school. Stafford County superintendent Scott Kizner said the recognition also demonstrates the district's leadership in public school education.

“The Stafford County Public Schools team is proud of the students and staff at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School for the excellent focus on learning and high expectations for all,” Kizner said.

Kizner, along with current principal Michael Archambault and former principal Andrew Grider, will receive a National Blue Ribbon School plaque and flag as symbols of the school’s achievement during a recognition ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C.