Brockman Elementary wins National Blue Ribbon Award
September 28, 2017
Brockman Elementary School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the country’s highest and most prestigious awards recognizing academic excellence. The honor was announced September 28 by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
“On behalf of the district, I would like to extend my congratulations to Brockman, its hardworking staff, parents and students who have made us so proud,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.
Dr. Eunice Williams, who was principal of Brockman for four years before accepting the position as Richland One’s executive director of schools, says focusing on the whole child and his/her unique needs is what makes Brockman an outstanding school.
“The whole-school personalized learning approach is definitely a strength. Academics and the way it’s individualized for each student is part of who we are. What’s most important is the whole child focus, which takes into consideration every facet of the child emotionally, physically, artistically and socially, as well as academically.”
Brockman’s interim principal, Dr. Marian Crum-Mack, is building upon that legacy of excellence. “I’m very fortunate to be at Brockman as this wonderful award is being announced. I’m so proud of our teachers, staff, children, parents, the district and the community that have been so supportive of Brockman.”
As a Richland One Montessori school, Brockman encourages students to learn at their own pace. Students are challenged to demonstrate grit and to seek creative solutions to problems. Starting in pre-kindergarten, the school focuses on self-responsibility and responsibility toward others. Students are shown that every voice matters and that all benefit from the contributions of others. Through a school-wide peace education curriculum and discipline model, students are taught conflict resolution skills and self-control. As a result, Brockman has minimal instructional time lost and few behavioral issues, leading to high levels of engagement. Recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation as a National Healthy Schools Gold Award recipient, Brockman also provides a healthy environment related to physical activity and healthy food options.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
Brockman and other National Blue Ribbon schools will be recognized at ceremonies November 6-7 in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the National Blue Ribbon School Program, go to https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
