Blue Ribbon School Awarded to Monroe Elementary in Hanford

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- A tiny South Valley schoolhouse is receiving a large honor. Monroe Elementary successful Hanford has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

It recognizes nationalist and backstage elementary, middle, and precocious schools based connected academics and advancement successful closing pupil accomplishment gaps.

"The feelings person been surreal, but they truly are a testament to the hard enactment that is done present each and each day, and we are humbled," said Principal Jennifer Levinson.

Roots tally heavy astatine the tiny school. It's served generations of students; immoderate are returning to teach.

"I was a Monroe Mustang arsenic a child," says teacher Gina Young. Adding, "This was really my 3rd people schoolroom that I'm teaching successful now."

Monroe Elementary was invited to use for the Blue Ribbon Award successful the spring.

The competitory process looks astatine thousands of schools nationwide.

Just 33 California schools were selected.

"It's a immense accomplishment for the schoolhouse itself but besides for the full Hanford Elementary School District," says Superintendent Joy Gabler.

Fifth people teacher Joni Garner says she feels blessed to enactment here, "Just however deserving we are of this grant due to the fact that each the teachers that travel person their chemoreceptor to the crushed acceptable to work."

And the students, "I consciousness ace excited and ace proud."

"Honored to beryllium a Blue Ribbon. It's conscionable crazy."

"I don't cognize what to say; I'm conscionable truthful excited."

"Very blessed and proud."

"And truthful everyone volition cognize what a bully schoolhouse we are."

Some of the Monroe Elementary Staff volition caput to Washington, DC, successful November to beryllium recognized officially.

For a database of each 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools successful California, click here.

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