Representative Lyle Rowland recognizes 2011 National Blue Ribbon School award at board meeting…

State Representative Lyle Rowland presents House Resolution to Superintendent Carless Osbourn and School Board President Gene France.

Superintendent, Carless Osbourn, School Board President, Gene France, State Representative Lyle Rowland

State representative Lyle Rowland presented a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution to the Kirbyville R-VI Board of Education during the December meeting. The resolution, dated November 22, 2011, unanimously applauded the “well-deserved selection of Kirbyville Elementary School as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education and to convey to all involved, the members of the Kirbyville R-VI Board of Education, Superintendent Carless Osbourn and Kirbyville Elementary Principal Addie Gaines, this legislative body’s most heartfelt best wishes for continued personal and professional success for many more years to come…” 

The resolution also stated that Kirbyville Elementary had enhanced its already impressive record of achievement when it received this award along with only three other schools in the state and recognized the exemplary performance and achievement that resulted in also being recognized as a Missouri Gold Star School.

Representative Rowland brought his personal congratulations for reaching this “mountaintop” and encouraged the district’s continued success. He presented the award to Carless Osbourn, superintendent and Gene France, school board president.

2011 National Blue Ribbon School Award...

The 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools ceremonial events were held on Monday, November 14 and Tuesday, November 15 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.  Presentations included speeches by Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education; Michelle Shearer, 2011 National Teacher of the Year; two panel discussions featuring successful principals from all educational levels; and Steve Robinson, special assistant in the area of domestic policy. Although President Obama was not able to attend, he sent his congratulations stating, "Schools like yours, demonstrate that with effort and dedication, classrooms can be safe challenging places that encourage the complex understanding and creative thinking needed in the competitive global economy."

Mrs. Ernsting and Mrs. Gaines had the privilege of representing Kirbyville Elementary at the official National Blue Ribbon School events and ceremonies last Monday and Tuesday. They participated in roundtable discussions about family and community standards and measuring student achievement with teachers and principals from other National Blue Ribbon Schools from other states.  It was a great opportunity to learn from other successful schools and share our successes as well. Mrs. Ernsting and Mrs. Gaines accepted a plaque and flag from Aba Kumi, director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program,  commemorating the accomplishment during a high-energy celebration.

Mrs. Dalager, Mrs. Ernsting, Mrs. Gaines, Mrs. Gilliam, and Ms. Horr spent the weekend prior to the event touring our nation’s capitol. U.S. Representative Billy Long’s office arranged for a tour of the White House for the group. Other destinations include a tour of the U.S. Capitol, all of the monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Museums.  The educators took many photos of the historical destinations and look forward to sharing them with the entire school community.

Mrs. Gaines commented, "Words cannot express the pride and joy that we have regarding the national recognition and the accomplishment. However, the more important aspect of the award is that it represents the growth and success of our students and the opportunity we have had to make a positive impact in the young lives at Kirbyville."

Please enjoy the following slideshow with scenes from the awards ceremony events and also Washington, D.C. historical landmarks.

A free digital slideshow by Smilebox

KES achieves national recognition…

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced that Kirbyville Elementary School was one of 304 schools the U.S. Department of Education named  2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps.  The Department will honor the entire 255 public and 49 private schools with their National Blue Ribbon School awards at a conference and awards ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C. 

“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” Duncan said.  “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.  Their success is an example for others to follow.”

KES was recognized as a school with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improved student performance to high levels as measured by the school’s performance on state assessments or nationally-normed tests.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

National Blue Ribbon Schools  
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Coverage by Springfield News-Leader 
Coverage by KY3 
Photo Gallery on KY3 
Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson Hometown News
Senator Claire McCaskill news release