May 23, 2000
Grapevine High School has been named a National Blue
Ribbon School by the U.S. Department
of Education, and in addition, has been granted the prestigious title New
American High School, one of only 10 so named in the nation this
year.
According to U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, the Blue Ribbon School status is given to those schools in the nation where "Parents, teachers, administrators and the community have formed partnerships to help all students learn to high standards. Their hard work, dedication and commitment should serve as a model for other communities that are deeply concerned about the education of American's students."
GHS was named a Texas Blue Ribbon School and the nomination was then forwarded to the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year. According to the Blue Ribbon news release, schools must "excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In additon, they exhibit exceptional levels of community and parental involvement, high student achievement levels and rigorous safety and discipline programs within their schools."
The New American High Schools honor went to only 10 schools in the nation this year. New American High Schools are those that have demonstrated how they improve student learning through innovative instructional techniques, leading edge technology, enhanced and targeted professional development, community service and integrated work-based experiences, and community-based partnerships. This competition is co-sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
In a letter to GHS principal Dana Drew, director of New American
High Schools Gail Schwartz, said, "As both a Blue Ribbon
and New American High School award-winner, you have demonstrated
your excellence through two sets of rigorous criteria and site
visits. Clearly , you have set the highest expectation for your
school, and both you and your staff well deserve these honors
for your dedication to the well-being of your students."
Grapevine High School has 1,870 students, 130 teachers, six administrators,
and approximately 50 support staff.
The BlueRibbon honor brings the number of GCISD campuses named
as Blue Ribbon Schools to eight. Schools are eligible to apply
for the recognition only every other year, this year being the
year for secondary schools to apply. Schools must be at least
five years old to apply.
Once the award is given, schools keep the honor for six years. Those schools currently holding Blue Ribbon status include Bear Creek Elementary, Bransford Elementary, Colleyville Elementary, Heritage Elementary, O.C. Taylor Elementary, Heritage Middle School, and Grapevine Middle School.
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Roger Williams explains his background and association with the Blue Ribbon process. |
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Faculty enjoys breakfast as they get to meet Mr. Williams to begin the Blue Ribbon visit. |
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Mr. Williams visits the ecology center while the first graders look forward to the "Ecobuddies" teaching them. |
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Sherri Steward explains about the Ecology Center. |
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What focus group is this that's meeting with Mr. Williams during the Blue Ribbon visit? |
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Is this their normal "look"? |
 New Amercian High School visit extends into the Hilton as the Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Management program was evaluated. |
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GCISD schools (Grapevine High School, GlenHope Elementary, Timberline Elementary) receives Texas Blue Ribbon Awards at Award Ceremony in Austin. |
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