Avalon ISD nominated for 2014 National Blue Ribbon Honors
Dr. DelBosque (Superintendent), Dwayne Betik (Technology Director), Neva DelBosque (Director of special programs/counselor), Christie Bell (Director of Special Education), Jody Tennery (Elementary Principal), Tony Hernandez (Assistant Principal) and Khris Marshall (High School Principal). Dr. DelBosque said, “Together we make a difference.” (Cindy Sutherland)
Avalon ISD has been nominated for the 2014 National Blue Ribbon School recognition out of 8,000 schools by the Texas Commissioner of Education, Michael Williams. There were only twenty five campuses in Texas that were nominated and Avalon ISD was one of them! Winners will be announced in Washington in September.
What was the criteria based on to be awarded this nomination? Schools were selected for one of two reasons. Schools that dramatically improved student performance to high levels on state tests and schools whose students ranked in the top ten percent based on performance on their state standardized tests. It used to be for many years any school could apply for the Blue Ribbon School nomination. That no longer is the case. Each state’s chief education officer submits a pre-determined number of nominations from that state that qualify according to the national criteria.
Avalon ISD qualified for the prestigious award as an exemplary achieving school. Plus they met the criteria of serving over forty percent of students that meet the criteria for economically disadvantaged.
Congratulations Avalon ISD!
Could you imagine going to Washington D.C. and receiving this award? Well, that is exactly what will happen to Avalon ISD if they are selected. Those who are chosen are honored at an awards ceremony in Washington D. C. in the fall. Avalon School has until March 21st to apply for the award.
When asked what his secret was for Avalon ISD’s success Dr. DelBosque replied, “You start with quality teachers, quality administrators and a plan that starts with the pre-k students. We have pre-pre k, pre-k, pre-k2 and pre-k3. These classes set the foundation for going on to kindergarten and the rest of their schooling. We have small numbers of students in each classroom. Research shows 15 to 16 students to a classroom from pre-k through 3rd grade the students just get better grades. It is not as important after the third grade. We have tutoring in the morning and after school, we have an after school program for the students who want to have fun and learn at the same time. Together we make a difference.”
The nominated schools in Texas are:
Avalon ISD-Avalon School
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD-Early College High School
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD-McCoy Elementary School
Conroe ISD-Geisinger Elementary School
Clear Creek ISD-ISD-Lovace Stewart Elementary School
Clear Creek ISD-Bay Elementary School
Dallas ISD-Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
Dallas ISD Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy
Dallas ISD Millde College High School
Dallas ISD-School of Business and Management at Yvonne A Ewell Townview Center
Eagle Pass ISD-Liberty Elementary School
El Paso ISD- Cielo Vista Elementary School
El Paso ISD-Transmountain Early College High School
Fort Worth ISD-Charles Nash Elementary School
Garland ISD-Routh Roach Elementary School
Garland ISD-Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
Houston ISD-Houston Academy for International Studies
Kerrville ISD-Nimitz Elementary School
KIPP Inc. Charter-KIPP Houston High School
KIPP Inc. Charter-KIPP Sharp College Prep (Houston)
Mason ISD-Mason Elementary School
Saltillo ISD-Saltillo School
San Angelo ISD-Santa Rita Elementary School
Sudan ISD-Sudan High School
Waller ISD-Fields Store Elementary School