Joe Donnelly: “today, I applaud East Elementary of the Jay School Corporation, Portland, IN, for being recognized as a 2014 National…”

“today, I applaud East Elementary of the Jay School Corporation, Portland, IN, for being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized over 7,000 public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate a vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their social or economic background. Since its inception, this program has offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for educational accomplishments in closing any achievement gaps among student groups. Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education is based on a school being identified as ``Exemplary High Performing''--schools that are ranked in the top 15 percent nationally in English and mathematics, measured by each State's assessment--or as ``Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing''--where schools with at least 40 percent of their student body coming from disadvantaged backgrounds are reducing the achievement gap in English and mathematics. East Elementary School has made great strides in these areas. East Elementary School inspires its students by fostering a positive environment both at school and in the community. Staff and students are committed to working toward combining knowledge with social and emotional support and by doing so lift up a student body that comes from a predominately economically challenging background.…”