Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) congratulated Andrew Trautmann Elementary School on being a recipient of the 2016 National Blue Ribbon School Award, as announced this week by U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. Only 329 public and private schools in the entire country, including only 21 elementary schools in Texas, received the honor this year.

The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students.

“I am a firm believer in education and increasing access to quality education is one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Education is the key to achieving the American Dream, which is why we must continue to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds and ensure that our children have the tools they need to succeed. I congratulate Trautmann Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Zaida G. Gonzalez, as well as the teachers, staff, parents and students on this achievement and for their great work and commitment to bettering our community through education.”

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers, King said in a  video message to honorees." Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation."

Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on fewer than 8,500 schools.

On Nov. 7 and 8, the U.S. Department of Education will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

All schools are recognized 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 subgroups and all students over the past five years.

The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated each year.

View the Secretary King’s video to the honorees here: https://youtu.be/heb5Mtr51BM

Laredo’s Andrew Trautmann Elementary is mentioned here: https://youtu.be/heb5Mtr51BM?t=17m39s

View Andrew Trautmann Elementary National Blue Ribbon profile here: http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/winning/16tx276pu_andrew_trautmann_elementary_school.html