Published Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:05 AM

2 BV schools honored

By MAGGIE KIELY
maggie.kiely@theeagle.com

Two Brazos Valley elementary schools have been recognized as No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

Mumford and Iola elementary schools were among 26 Texas public schools and 314 public and private schools nationwide to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are chosen based on their success in attaining and maintaining high academic standards. To be considered for a ribbon, a school must score in the top 10 percent on state-mandated tests or show substantial improvement in test scores of 40 percent of students from low-income families.

In a national announcement Monday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Blue Ribbon Schools "are places where improved teaching and learning benefits every student, and where students are challenged to meet high expectations with the active support of teachers, parents and the community."

Mumford Elementary has about 375 students, and about 275 attend Iola Elementary, officials said.

Pete Bienski, superintendent of Mumford schools, said the school's recognition could be attributed to an unwavering commitment of parents, teachers and students.

"Since this is an award actually given by the U.S. secretary of education, it is an award we consider the highest a school can receive," he said. "We believe that we have teachers that are very dedicated and they work together. We have parents that are very cooperative, and they trust us with their children, and we have students that also believe they can be successful."

Danny Mallett, principal at Iola Elementary, said he credited not only his students, staff and parents for the award, but also those in charge.

"It's a big deal because way less than 1 percent of the schools in the nation get to accept this award," he said "I'm very proud of teachers for reaching that level. I'm proud of my students for working hard and reaching their goals, I'm proud of our parents for pushing students, and I'm also proud of our superintendent and school board for providing excellent leadership."

Two representatives from each school will be invited to accept the Blue Ribbon Award in Washington, D.C., in November.

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