The Nevada Department of Education has nominated three schools in Nevada as National Blue Ribbon Schools in the “Exemplary School Performance Category.”

John L. Goolsby Elementary in the Clark County School District, Roy Gomm Elementary and Mt. Rose K-8 School of Languages in the Washoe County School District were all identified as being in the top 15 percent of state schools as ranked by performance on the Smarter Balanced assessment reading and math scores.

“This is truly an outstanding accomplishment by our students and teachers at these high achieving schools in our state,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Goolsby, Gomm and Mt. Rose are three schools that have set a high bar for themselves and are helping to lead Nevada on the path to becoming the fastest improving state in the nation.”

Nominated school applications go through two rounds of review. The first screens applications for completeness, quality, accuracy, and potential eligibility issues. Applications then enter a second round of review to assure compliance with all eligibility criteria. Once both reviews are completed, public schools must meet their Annual Measureable Objectives (AMOs) or make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the latest round of state assessments in order to receive the National Blue Ribbon Schools award.

Washoe County School District Superintendent Traci Davis called the recognition Gomm and Mt. Rose received a great honor.

“These schools serve as wonderful examples of the importance of teamwork and dedication in supporting our students, and I could not be more proud,” Davis said.

Clark County School District Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky expressed pride in Goolsby’s nomination.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and determination of teachers and administrators who are committed to academic excellence,” Skorkowsky said. “We are honored that Goolsby Elementary School is being recognized for its exemplary performance.”

Goolsby Principal Kimberly Cunningham said “our staff is so excited about this nomination. It shows the high levels of achievement that our students can reach. It takes a team of committed educators, parents, staff and students to reach and achieve our goals.”

Washoe Principals Krissy Brown at Mt. Rose and John Sutherland at Gomm also said their schools were honored by the Blue Ribbon nominations.

“Our staff, students, parents and community members work so hard each and every day to ensure our students reach their achievement goals and beyond,” Brown said. “I am so proud of all we have accomplished together and even more excited to see what our future holds.”

Sutherland added that the Blue Ribbon designation is a “wonderful recognition of the dedication and hard work of the Gomm staff and the incredible support of our Gomm families.”