Lowell Elementary was honored as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools in the Exemplary High Performing schools category, after being nominated last winter. The coveted award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
This is the third time Lowell Elementary has received this honor. Lowell was also awarded the Blue Ribbon in 2005. All elementary schools within Brainerd Public Schools received the 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.
Todd Sauer, retired Lowell Elementary Principal, stated, “This award shows the dedication of the staff, students, and families at Lowell School. Before this year, there was only one other school in the state of Minnesota that had been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence three times. To receive an honor of this magnitude speaks volumes to the type of education our students receive in the Brainerd Schools. I am so proud to have not only worked at ISD #181, but also had my own children receive this same outstanding education!”
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 297 schools today as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022 based on their overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“We have an amazing group of staff, students, and families at Lowell. They work tirelessly to help each student grow to their fullest potential,” said Literacy Coach Wendy Becker. “Teachers are incredibly intentional with how they teach and work hard to meet each student’s needs, whether in reading, writing, math, or social-emotional learning.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing achievement gaps.
All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories based on all student scores, subgroup scores, and graduation rates.
Brainerd Public School leadership will attend the recognition ceremony on November 3-4, 2022, in Washington, D.C. A school celebration will take place after school leadership returns with the Blue Ribbon Award.
“It’s a great honor and privilege to join the Lowell Elementary team,” said new principal Kathy Johnson. “I get to work alongside this incredible staff who care so deeply about students and families, inspiring a love of learning and building skills that our students will carry with them for a lifetime.
Information regarding the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at
http://www.nationalblueribbonschools.com/