Porter News

On Tuesday, September 21, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021, and Mesquite ISD’s Porter Elementary School was one of them.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Porter is being honored as an “Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing School.”

“I’m proud to say Porter Elementary joins two other previous Blue Ribbon Schools in Mesquite ISD: Pirrung Elementary and Poteet High School,” said Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland. “I cannot thank Porter’s staff, student body and community enough for their dedication and representation of excellence in every way. This is also a remarkable tribute to Porter’s outgoing principal and former MISD Board of Trustees member Becky Rasco, who retired before the school year began.”

“Being a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program is a huge honor for Porter staff and students alike,” said new Porter Elementary Principal Leeann Englert. “From the moment I stepped foot on this campus, the staff’s commitment to the school’s vision “Every Child. Every need. Whatever it takes.” became abundantly clear. The campus exudes this vision in every conversation they have and in every decision they make. Everyone is deeply invested in the success of our children. We also have a highly supportive and proud family community that holds high expectations of success for their children. I am beyond grateful to accept this honor for Porter Elementary School,” she said.

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said Secretary Cardona. “I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.  Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.