MPE receives National ‘Blue Ribbon’ school award

During the school’s weekly Friday morning pep rally emceed by student leaders of the Leader In Me program, Martin Petitjean Elementary was officially presented a plaque signifying the school’s status as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, one of only six schools in the state of Louisiana awarded this year.
The plaque, which was received during an awards ceremony held last month in Washington, D.C., was officially presented during Friday’s program by Francis Touchet of the Louiaiana Department of Education. Accepting the award on behalf of the school was principal Kim Cummins.
“I’m just so proud to accept this on behalf of our school,” stated school principal Kim Cummins upon receiving the award.
She continued, “This is on behalf of all the hard work of our students and staff. We can accomplish anything if we work together, and that’s what we do.”
Cummings praised her dedicated staff, helpful parents, and the many individuals and organizations who help the school on a continuing basis.
“Our teachers and staff believe in our students and push them to become the best they can be. They believe that regardless of the circumstances they may face outside of school, they can still excel in their studies and become leaders as they have proven over and over again.”
The Blue Ribbon Schools program, a year-long process, honors schools in one of two performance categories: (1) Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. (2) Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels. Martin Petitjean Elementary was named as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School.
Cummins also acknowledged the many who contributed to everyone who made contributions towards the purchase of special “Blue Ribbon School” t-shirts presented to the students just prior to the Friday morning program, especially Acadia Parish Assessor Jim Petitjean.
It was also announced by Jason Huffman of The United Way of the many donors who contributed towards the renovation of the school grounds and a new school sign for the front of school. Progress will be begin soon on those eprojects.
“Congratulations to everyone here and especially to these students -- our future,” stated Acadia Parish Superintendent John Bourque during the Friday morning pep rally and program. “When you take into account Louisiana has over 2,000 schools and MPE was selected for this award, it is just amazing. From the students, staff, parents and community, we are all winners because our future is looking good.”
Acadia Parish was also joined by South Crowley Elementary as the two schools awarded during the 2015 National Blue Rubbon recognition by the United States Department of Education. Both were named among the six Louisiana schools of the national 2015 honorees.
Mayor Chuck Robichaux extended his congratulations by presenting th school a special key to the city and a special proclamation for their Blue Ribbon honor. He also reminded everyone of the school’s recent Lighthouse Award, adding if “everyone works together and continues their dedicated efforts, who knows what can be accomplished.”
Martin Petitjean Elementary was named the first Leader In Me Lighthouse School in the entire state of Louisiana during the 2012-2013 school year, joining only 50 Lighthouse schools around the world at that time.
The Franklin Covey” Leader In Me (LIM) program has become a popular school improvement process used in K-12 schools worldwide. Currently, LIM has been implemented in schools throughout the world, with only a few having achieved Lighthouse status.
“Leader In Me” is an innovative, school-wide model that emphasizes a culture of student empowerment and helps unleash each child’s full potential. With its local funding beginning in the Fall of 2010 by United Way, MPE students have attained tools they need to be the most effective leaders they can be.
In honor of the special day, students were treated to an extended recess, movie time, and ice cream treats during the afternoon hours Friday.