Students Win Award For Positive Character

Lucy N. Holman Elementary School students in Jackson join school officials in celebrating the school’s recent National Blue Ribbon Award. (Photo courtesy Jackson Schools)

  JACKSON – Students at the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School were recently recognized for demonstrating their positive character

  Holman is one of 325 schools that were recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona through the National Blue Ribbon Schools program this year. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

  “This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” Cardona said.

  The Holman School utilizes a balanced literacy model and blends the scientific principles of learning to read with a comprehensive reading and writing workshop curriculum that instills the love of reading and supports comprehension, school officials said.

  Holman has a progressive Gifted and Talented Program (Enrichment) to support students who exceed grade level expectations. In addition, as a designated Title I Schoolwide school, the school has a well-established English Language Learner (ELL) program.

  Through our Social Emotional Learning Program (SEL), students practice wellness strategies through discussion, activities, and games. Students start each day with a Morning Meeting adapted from the Responsive Classroom Model. Holman Elementary also celebrates both the academic and social achievements of the students by recognizing academic accomplishments and positive character traits.

  Another unique program available to students and their families at Holman is the Family Literacy Program called One School One Book. This is a schoolwide reading program where every student, parent, faculty member, and administrator read the same book at the same time.

  School administrators said they pride themselves on building a positive school climate and culture by building positive relationships within our school community.

  “I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better,” Cardona said.

  The award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

  The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

  Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.