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“Every Missouri student deserves a quality education,” said First Lady Georganne Nixon. “That’s why the Governor and I are very proud that public schools like these are rising to the challenge and delivering a world-class education that not only prepares students for good jobs but also inspires them to be life-long learners.”
During her visit to Barbara Blanchard Elementary, the First Lady read Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by Richard Egielski to first and second grade classrooms. First Lady Georganne Nixon, who has taught in Missouri public schools, serves as a Reading Ambassador for the Scholastic program.
“These outstanding schools are shining examples of what can be accomplished when communities come together to make education a priority,” Gov. Nixon said. “The high honor of this National Blue Ribbon award is a testament to the continued and consistent success the students here demonstrate year-round.”
Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Even during the height of the recession, he worked across the aisle to balance the budget every year while providing record funding for K-12 classrooms. Math and reading scores have increased on his watch and Missouri’s high school graduation rate is in the top 10 in the nation. Over the past six years, Missouri has also led the nation in holding down tuition increases at its public colleges and universities.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. The U.S. Department of Education says the award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
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Follow the Governor on Twitter @GovJayNixon