Summit Middle School Named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office   
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202                 
Contact: Press Office
(202) 401-1576 or press@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education Announces 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools

Summit Middle School Among Those Recognized

exterior photo of Summit Middle School

Summit Middle School, Johnston IA

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized 349 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Johnston’s Summit Middle School, serving students in grades six and seven, has been named among this year’s recipients.

“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees.  “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our Summit staff who are focused on providing a high quality education for all students who attend,” said JCSD Interim Superintendent Laura Kacer. “Their commitment to this standard is evident in all that they do.”

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. On November 7-8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 300 public and 49 private school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

All schools are honored 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 over the past five years.

“The 2018 National Blue Ribbon School Award is a testament to the hard work and efforts of the staff at Summit Middle School,” said Summit Principal Chris Billings. “For many years, they have been dedicated to helping middle school students achieve at the highest levels and grow as individuals.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE). Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.

# # #