For immediate release 11/07/06

Hillcrest, Oak Grove nominated for National Blue Ribbon School

The Minnesota Department of Education has nominated the Hillcrest Community School and Oak Grove Elementary School to the National Department of Education for the No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Program.

The NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement over five years.

"We are proud that our schools have been recognized for this national honor for achieving high standards and accountability," said Les Fujitake, Bloomington Schools superintendent. "This recognition validates that our outstanding community produces outstanding schools."

Hillcrest's State MCA test scores for the last two years were in the Top 10 percent of the State of Minnesota Schools. In 1996-1997, Hillcrest received a Blue Ribbon in another award program.

"Hillcrest Community School has a long tradition of excellence, accountability, and dedicated teachers and learners," said Paul Schullo, Hillcrest Community School       principal. "This award recognizes those academic efforts by our staff and students."

Oak Grove Elementary also will represent the Bloomington community and the state of Minnesota in this exciting award opportunity.  The Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education announced that schools singled out for national honors now will reflect the goals of our nation’s new education reforms for high standards and accountability.

"The Oak Grove Elementary staff has demonstrated a commitment to student learning," said Laurie TeBrake, Oak Grove principal.  "High expectations, dedication and persistence have proven successful for increasing student achievement. Our history of academic success is the one factor that has gained us national recognition."

The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program is conducted by the United States Department of Education. The program requires schools to meet either of two assessment criteria.  It recognizes schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance in accordance with state assessment systems; and it rewards schools that score in the top 10 percent on state assessments.

Upon completion of the application in February 2007, a national review process will take place.  School awards will be announced in September 2007.   Normandale Hills Elementary received the National Blue Ribbon School award in 2004.

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