Sept. 25, 2006

Heritage Elementary earns National Blue Ribbon title

“We are all so excited about this award, and we are honored to be included among such an elite group of schools,” said Principal Stacey Voigt. “This is truly a reflection on the dedication of our students, staff and families to meeting our school’s high expectations in creating the best learning environment possible.”

Heritage Elementary was chosen by the state in November 2005 as one out of 8,000 Texas schools to be considered for this award. The Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes outstanding public and private schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic and consistent gains in student achievement. In addition, Blue Ribbon Schools must meet the federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards and must comply with other U.S. Department of Education requirements.

“This award is a tribute to the entire HES staff that spends countless hours before, during and after school to meet the daily challenges and demands of education,” Voigt said. “Through innovative programs and curriculum alignment, we work to meet the needs of our diverse population and ensure all students are successful. I commend our students, parents and faculty for their commitment to being one of the top schools in the area.”

The program was revamped in 2002 as part of the federal No Child Left Behind initiative. Eleven GCISD schools, including HES, were named National Blue Ribbon Schools under the previous program. They are:

• Colleyville Heritage High – 2002
• Timberline Elementary – 2001
• Glenhope Elementary – 2001
• Grapevine High – 2000
• Bear Creek Elementary – 1999
• Bransford Elementary – 1999
• Colleyville Elementary – 1999
• Heritage Elementary – 1999
• Heritage Middle – 1998
• O.C. Taylor Elementary – 1997
• Grapevine Middle – 1996

HES will be honored along with other NCLB Blue Ribbon recipient schools from across the nation during a ceremony Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C.