JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Armstrong School for the Arts, a local Hampton, Virginia, elementary school, was recently selected to become a National Blue Ribbon School.
According to the Department of Education, National Blue Ribbon Schools are public and private elementary, middle and high schools that produce outstanding results for all students. They have demonstrated consistent excellence and made progress in closing gaps in student achievement.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition program is part of a larger DOE effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about effective school leadership and promising instructional practices.
Many Joint Base Langley-Eustis families send their children to local schools, and Armstrong represents the epitome of excellence JBLE families should hope for concerning their children's education, said Levia Stovall, Armstrong's principal.
"Our partnership with [JBLE] gives us many opportunities to enrich our students," said Stovall. "Last year, the Full Spectrum band played for us. Without [Langley Air Force Base], that wouldn't have been possible."
Out of 1,775 schools in Virginia, only 48 were eligible to become National Blue Ribbon Schools. Of those 48, seven schools received the recognition.
Stovall believes Armstrong made the cut thanks to the efforts of the school staff and the supportive community.
"We are a choice school who partners with community organizations to enhance and enrich the learning of all students," said Stovall. "We love the way [JBLE] supports our school. Our partnership with the installations helps us with much needed programs and opportunities for all of our students, and for that, we thank them."
The official recognition ceremony will take place in Washington on Nov. 10 and 11.