Rochester school earns National Blue Ribbon School distinction

(ABC 6 News) – The United States Department of Education has awarded Lincoln K-8 District-Wide School in Rochester as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2022.

Lincoln K-8 District-Wide School is one of just 297 schools recognized nationwide as being a Blue Ribbon School.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students, staff, and the Lincoln K-8 community for their amazing efforts and ‘all in’ approach that has resulted in being recognized on the national level with this great honor,” said Lincoln Principal Jim Sonju. “It is a testament to the innovative and hard working school staff and community that  continue going the extra mile to ensure student success.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.

“I want to thank the students, staff, parents, and community partners of the Lincoln school community both past and present for all the hard work they have done to earn this extraordinary national recognition,” said Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel. “This award is further confirmation of the excellence that exists within Rochester Public Schools, which we will continue to support at Lincoln and across the school district through our new strategic plan.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

An announcement to Lincoln school staff and students was made at a surprise assembly on Friday morning.

Other recognized Minnesota schools are below:

• Lowell Elementary School (Brainerd)
• Maple River West Elementary School (Good Thunder)
• Seven Hills Preparatory Academy (Bloomington)
• Springfield Elementary School (Springfield)

For a complete list of the national recognized schools, CLICK HERE.