NORTHFIELD — Congressman Jim McGovern visited Northfield Elementary School Friday morning to personally congratulate school staff and faculty for the school’s achievements in closing education gaps and being named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.
“There’s a small number of schools that get recognized,” McGovern told faculty and staff who gathered in the main hallway of the school Friday morning. “It’s a testament to the faculty, staff and families here for coming together and making something special.”
In September, Northfield Elementary School was named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School alongside just four other schools in the state and 325 schools nationwide. Earning recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School from the U.S. Department of Education is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, according to the department.
Schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates. Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally norm-referenced tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools, like Northfield Elementary, are among their state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between the school’s student subgroups and all students.
Along with the title of National Blue Ribbon School, Northfield Elementary received a commemorative plaque and flag, and on Friday, McGovern delivered a proclamation from the House of Representatives. Additionally, faculty members were invited to an award ceremony in Washington D.C. last week.
Principal Megan Desmarais and kindergarten teacher Ashley Fogle, who attended the ceremony in D.C. on behalf of faculty members, said it was inspiring “to be around so many amazing educators.”
“We were really proud,” Desmarais said of the recognition. “It was such a great surprise when we received this award.”
Northfield Elementary was recommended for the national award by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) based on 2019 data, which had achievements “exceeding most of its targets.” The other award winners in Massachusetts include Winship Elementary School in Brighton, Josiah Haynes Elementary School in Sudbury, John D. Hardy Elementary School in Wellesley and Weston Middle School in Weston.
McGovern said walking through the school Friday morning, he felt the students should know “they’re lucky to go here.”
“I think it’s important to celebrate good news and great results,” he said. “I’m really proud a school in my district was selected.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.