CARSON CITY, Nev. -The U.S. Department of Education (USED) today recognized three schools in Nevada as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. The two schools are:

• Linda Rankin Givens Elementary School, Clark County School District
• Florence Drake Elementary School, Washoe County School District

Linda Rankin Given Elementary School and Florence Drake Elementary School are recognized for the categories of "Exemplary High-Performing" and "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing" for the 2020/2021 school year.

"Congratulations to the students, educators, staff, families, and other members of the two Nevada school communities receiving this exceptional recognition this year!" said Governor Sisolak. "Closing the achievement gap among students is a critical priority to ensure all our students are set up for future success and I'm grateful for the continued work of Nevada educators across the State."

"The tremendous efforts of highly dedicated school community members contributed to the recognition of these two exemplary Nevada schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The Nevada Department of Education proudly commends each student, educator, and school family member," said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "It is very impressive that these schools have earned this recognition, and we are excited to celebrate them." 

"We are so proud of the teachers, administrators, and support staff at Linda Rankin Givens Elementary School for being named a "National Blue Ribbon School," said Dr. Jesus Jara, Superintendent for Clark County School District. "This recognition showcases the staff's excellent work and commitment to our kids, and we celebrate their pursuit of academic excellence across the district.

"This honor is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our teachers, staff, students and families at Florence Drake Elementary School," said Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent of Washoe County School District. "They have worked together to improve academic outcomes for our students, and we congratulate the entire team for this great achievement and national recognition."

The Nevada schools recognized are two of 420 schools nationally nominated. This recognition is a national award given annually by USED, and is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Schools can be recognized in one of two categories:

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

"We are honored and humbled to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School. It was a reflective experience applying for the award," said Dan Hungerford, Principal of Linda Rankin Givens Elementary School.   "Spending time pouring over our accomplishments and taking the time to define what makes Linda Givens Elementary School a great place to learn and grow was amazingly rewarding. I couldn't be more proud of the staff, students, and parents of our school community." 

Mr. Jason Shipman is the principal of Florence Drake Elementary School.   He   sees his school as "a shining testament to the value of a highly collaborative teaching staff where PLCs are truly student-centered. The philosophy among all staff is an all-hands-on-deck motto, where everyone pitches in wherever needed, and all staff members are equally valued. Florence Drake is a community where all students feel safe and welcome, where every student is recognized by name, and where staff connect positively with each student.". 

Both schools were nominated by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) in February 2022. 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 40th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed many awards to schools across the nation.

Photographs and brief descriptions of the National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/

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 ABOUT THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/