National Blue Ribbon - Simpson
2014-15 National Blue Ribbon School
“W.B. Simpson Elementary School is a great place for kids! We pride ourselves on building positive relationships with all of our students and their families. This is illustrated through our ‘Looping Program’ where all students have their teacher for two years in grades 2-3 and 4-5. To build firm relationships, you also have to educate the whole child so we subscribe to the Responsive Classroom Approach. But in the end, it’s always about the kids. If you continually focus on kids then you’ll always make great gains in student achievement.” – Michael Kijowski, Principal of W.B. Simpson Elementary School.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrowing. The Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.