Photo obtained via Facebook

St. Thomas More Catholic School in Decatur is one of only 50 private schools nationwide to be named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. on Sept. 28 named National 329 Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016.

According to the Education Department, “The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.”

St. Thomas More announced the award to parents via email:

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Dear STM Parents,

Today, U.S. Secretary of Education John King named St. Thomas More Catholic School as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, placing STM in the top 10-15 percent of all schools in the United States, and one of only 50 non-public schools to receive this honor.  The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program (BRS) recognizes schools excelling in several areas. Schools must show exceptional academic achievement based on the Iowa Assessments.  In addition, schools are judged on their use of data to drive instructional improvement, faculty collaboration, use of best practices, engagement with parents and the community, the strength of the curriculum and school leadership.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program, founded in 1982, is a program of the U. S. Department of Education.  It recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at the very highest levels.  The formal presentation of the award will take place at a special ceremony held in Washington D. C. on November 7-8, 2016.

Our community has known for years that STM is a great school and now we have formal proof to support what we have believed for some time!  This recognition is certainly a testament to the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our teachers and staff. You will be hearing more in the days ahead about this prestigious award.

Congratulations to all!  This is most certainly something to celebrate!

Yours in Christ,

Jerry Raymond

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