Santa Rita Elementary Nominated to Blue Ribbon School

Words of encouragement were passed along to the students at Santa Rita Elementary School Friday, when the campus celebrated their nomination to a National Blue Ribbon School.

Central cheerleaders got everyone pepped up on the campus grounds before ASU soccer and football players stepped up to talk to the children about the importance of dedication and good grades.

State Representative Drew Darby attended, addressing the group of fidgety students with his grandson, William Davis, at his side. By means of analogy, Darby commended the students on how well they’ve done this year and pushed them to keep striving for excellence. “You don’t finish the race until you cross the finish line, right?” he asked, as little voices responded back in tandem, No! “What we’re here to do today is encourage you to finish this race,” he continued.

Darby told the children that Santa Rita’s nomination was a big deal, noting that last year, no Texas schools were nominated as blue ribbon schools. This year, he said, there are 26 in the state. Those schools that have been nominated will then be assessed in Washington, and on Sept. 1, the winners will be announced.

“This is the first time that a San Angelo school—to our knowledge—has gotten the opportunity to be nominated and go on to the big competition in Washington,” SAISD Superintendent Dr. Carol Ann Bonds said, taking the mic after Darby was finished speaking.  “It wasn’t because of me and representative Darby, it was because of you and everything you do in your school,” she said, leaning down and changing her tone to speak to the children.

As the Chief of Police approached Dr. Bonds to give his own address, school staff played the theme from “Cops”, and laughter broke out in the crowd of children, teachers and parents. “I loved school,” he said. “I had perfect attendance all the way through my freshman year…so I just want to encourage you and I want to encourage the parents and staff to just keep going.”

The afternoon’s activities continued with recognition of former PTO members, a teacher hula-hoop contest and math table contests among the children. A cart with a PA system had been wheeled out from the gym and provided music for the festivities.

The blue ribbon nomination is based on multiple factors, including the school’s performance on the STAAR Test and on other criteria.  According to parents at Friday’s event, the students at Santa Rita perform traditionally above average on the tests each year.  

“It’s a great feeling. It makes you feel just happy that you know your kids are going to be prepared for what’s to come,” said Kristi von Rosenberg, mother of second grader Freddie Ann von Rosenberg. “She loves school and she’s thrived here. [She loves] the teachers, all the activities they do, the school spirit—so far all the teachers that she’s had have been just amazing.”

For more information on the blue ribbon nomination, visit the Texas Education Agency website.