Elected officials congratulate New Rockford-Sheyenne, Harwood elementaries on National Blue Ribbon School honors

Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has selected Harwood Elementary School and New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools in recognition of their academic excellence. Both the schools are being recognized as Exemplary High Performing schools.

“We congratulate both Harwood Elementary and New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary for their hard work,” said Hoeven. “The National Blue Ribbon designation is a testament to the dedication of the teachers and administrators as well as the hard work of students and parents to achieve academic excellence.”

Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Program has worked to recognize the efforts of the nation’s top schools. To date, more than 9,000 schools have received this award.

In addition, Gov. Doug Burgum today commended the schools.

“This tremendous honor highlights the hard work and dedication of the outstanding students, teachers and administrators at these two exceptional schools, as well as the innovative approaches to teaching and learning happening in schools throughout our state,” Burgum said. “Congratulations to West Fargo’s Harwood Elementary School and New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School on this well-deserved recognition.”

The National Blue Ribbon School recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. Harwood Elementary School also received National Blue Ribbon School recognition in 2006.