It's a great feeling when your school is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a blue ribbon of excellence. UISD’s Kazen Elementary School got that news recently, and the district is celebrating the victory in a big way. Administrators and principals from across the district came together at the school to celebrate the success of the Kazen Lions at a special breakfast featuring its students and teachers, hoping to inspire other schools to follow in their footsteps.
Kazen Elementary School was recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as one of 356 schools nationwide to be selected a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. The announcement was televised live from Washington, D.C. for “watch parties” across the country for the winning schools on September 23. Since then, the entire school has been enjoying the accolades from across the city, especially the principal Monica Arriaga who attributes the win to the hard work and dedication of students, parents, teachers, and staff.
"I recently learned that Kazen Elementary is the 4th UISD school to achieve this distinction since the inception of the program in 1982," said Arriaga. "When I took on the principalship six years ago, my goal wasn’t to seek this prestigious award. My goal was simple: to help our students grow one day at a time. Over the years, these small, daily successes have led us to this incredible moment here today."
Superintendent of UISD schools, Dr. Gerardo Cruz said the award was a testament to the quality of instruction at the Kazen campus, and he is sure that excellence in education is achieved daily throughout the district. At the event, he challenged all the other school leaders to a friendly competition to qualify for the next blue ribbon award.
"We certainly have the heart, talent and resources to keep winning on the national level," he said.
Also present at the celebration were board members Michelle Molina and Dianelle Martinez. Both congratulated the school and its administrators, teachers and students. Martinez told the audience that she had fond memories of the school, having grown up and attended classes there as a child. Molina praised the principal Monica Arriaga for leading the team to this victory.
This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
"What we’ve accomplished together hasn’t been easy, but the results speak volumes," said principal Arriaga. "Not only are we a National Blue Ribbon School, but we’ve also earned an “A” rating with an overall score of 96! That is no small feat, but it was absolutely worth every effort."
Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Principal Arriaga says being a parent to a child with Autism has helped her to develop exceptional instruction for the four special education units at the school.
"I’ve always emphasized the importance of not comparing ourselves to others. Instead, I wanted our teachers and students to focus on competing with themselves—to strive for a new personal best, much like athletes do."
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
When Kazen Elementary School was named a national blue ribbon school via technology in September, balloons fell from a tethered canopy in the school’s gymnasium, and those attending the celebration erupted in applause at the accomplishment. A group of district and school leaders and teachers went to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to be recognized in person by the federal government at an awards ceremony.
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Principal Monica Arriaga with Board Members Michelle Molina and Dianelle Martinez
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