*** SAUDER ELEMENTARY EARNS 

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL STATUS ***

Sauder Elementary School is one of just 297 schools around the country, and 13 in Ohio, to be designated a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School. The U.S. Department of Education made the announcement Friday morning. This recognition is based on Sauder’s exemplary academic performance. 

Sauder is the third of six Jackson Local School District schools to earn National Blue Ribbon status. Jackson High School and Lake Cable Elementary earned the prestigious awards in 2009.

“This is a tremendous achievement for our Sauder Elementary families, our students, our teachers and support staff, and Principal John Reindel,” Jackson Local School District Superintendent Chris DiLoreto said. “The Blue Ribbon award is among the highest honors a school can receive. We appreciate the collaboration between our families, our school, and the greater Jackson Township community.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools nationwide. The Blue Ribbon award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities striving for — and attaining — exemplary achievement.

“We are blessed to partner with great parents and families to educate their children,” Sauder Principal John Reindel said. “In addition to the collaboration with our families, we have a tireless staff of teachers, cooks, custodians, monitors, support staff, and many others who tirelessly work to provide our students with an environment that fosters growth and promotes learning.”

The U.S. Department of Education can invite up to 420 schools each year to apply. Recommendations from the top education official in each state are received by the U.S. Department of Education. From there, a rigorous application process takes place.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide all our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup students scores, and graduation rates:

Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests;

Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s high-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.