CARSON CITY, Nev. – The U.S. Department of Education today named 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, and both Roy Gomm Elementary, and Mount Rose K-8 School of Languages in the Washoe County School District were all identified by the Nevada Department of Education as being in the top 15 percent of state schools ranked by performance on the Smarter Balanced assessment reading and math scores.

“I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

All three schools are invited to have representation at a National Blue Ribbon Schools Ceremony in Washington D.C. in November.

“I am truly inspired by the teachers, parents and students at Goolsby, Gomm and Mount Rose elementary schools,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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 Mount Rose and John Sutherland at Gomm also said their schools were honored by the Blue Ribbon nominations.

“We are extremely excited and honored to receive recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School,” Brown said. “Our staff, students, parents, and community members work so hard each and every day to ensure our students reach their highest achievement goals and beyond. Our Mount Rose School community is more than deserving of being recognized for their work on a national level. 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. I’m very proud of the entire Gomm Community.”