Two Pueblo schools awarded 'Blue Ribbon' status

Posted: Sep 15, 2009 3:36 PM by Bea Karnes
Updated: Sep 15, 2009 3:36 PM

Two Pueblo elementary schools--Haaff and Morton--received Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education. This honor is rare--just 314 public and private schools were honored nationwide out of 120,000.

The purpose of the program is to recognize academically superior schools or those that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels.
"To be nominated and awarded the Blue Ribbon is an honor to the entire staff and student population of Haaff Elementary School. The mission of Haaff Elementary is to provide a stimulating, challenging, and rigorous instructional program which addresses the needs of each child," said Haaff principal Rhonda Holcomb. " Teaching is a rewarding and challenging profession and we have great teachers in our district and great teachers at this school. We have high expectations for our students and they rise to our levels of expectations. We are thrilled and very excited to receive this award."

"Morton Elementary School is a ‘top quality place' due to a dedicated professional staff and wonderful parents and students. Our mantra for the year is "From Good to Great!" where everyone is someone," said Floyd Gallegos, principal at Morton Elementary.

A ceremony will be held in Washington, D.C. in November to honor the schools.