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There have only been three public middle schools ever to receive this award in Kentucky
By Toni Konz Tatman | JCPS Communications
Barret Traditional Middle School was named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education on Thursday.
The award, being given to 362 public and private schools across the country this year, is based on a school’s overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Barret, located in the Crescent Hill neighborhood, is one of five public schools and nine total schools in Kentucky to be named this year. Its award is for overall academic excellance.
"The award affirms the hard work and dedication of Barret's students, educators and families and their committment to academic achievement," said Superintendent Marty Pollio. "Congratulations to Principal Tom Wortham and his teachers and students for achieving this prestigious honor for our district.”
Wortham said Barret has been successful over the years because it sets high expectations for its students and staff.
"We strive for excellence in everything we do, which includes holding all Barret stakeholders -- students, staff, caregivers, coaches, and community members -- to very high standards," he said. "We recognize that it is not enough to have high expectations, so we also communicate them and provide stakeholders with the tools they need to be successful. We have found that when high expectations are clearly communicated, whether around academics, behavior, athletics, or character, the Barret community will rise to meet them."
He added: "Striving for excellence is so ingrained into the fiber of our program that is has become simply known as The Barret Way, Every Day."
In its 37-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has become a trademark of excellence and a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers.
Representatives from each of Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Schools will join those from other states at a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14-15.
More information on the program and a list of past Kentucky winners are available on the USED website.
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This story was originally published on Sept. 26, 2019.