Kendrick Lakes Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

LAKEWOOD, CO – Kendrick Lakes Elementary was recognized with a National Blue Ribbon award by the U.S. Department of Education on Monday.

The Lakewood elementary school at 1350 S. Hoyt St. was one of 349 schools to receive the award this year. Four other Colorado schools will also participate in a recognition ceremony on Nov. 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C. held by the U.S. Department of Education.

Kendrick Lakes Elementary will host its own celebration on Monday, Nov. 12.

“This is so exciting,” said principal Sarah Roberts in a statement. “As a new principal I can’t take too much credit for the award, but I can tell you I’m proud to be a part of this amazing school and we’ll keep up the good work!”

“This is a phenomenal achievement for Kendrick Lakes Elementary,” said former principal David Singh (now principal at Wayne Carl Middle School). “The educators at Kendrick Lakes worked together to build an engaging academic program, and this is the fruit of their labor.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the students, staff, parents, and community at Kendrick Lakes and think this recognition is well deserved,” said Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass.

The school was described as "a neighborhood school with a Gifted and Talented center program," by the award judges. "Through strong partnerships with the community and high levels of collaboration among all staff, Kendrick Lakes intentionally provides learning that helps students explore and express their interests and passions. By focusing on the whole child, [teachers] aspire to have each Kendrick Lakes student leave school as globally-minded, independent, caring, and respectful critical thinkers."

Kendrick Lakes was described as a school with student demographics below:

• Black/African American: 3%
• White: 62%
• Hispanic: 28%
• Asian: 3%
• Two or more races: 4%
• English Language Learners: 12%
• Economically Disadvantaged: 40%

The National Blue Ribbon Award is an annual designation presented to public and private elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the United States, the Dept. of Education said. Schools are nominated for the award by the state department of education, and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. The program began in 1982 with the goal of recognizing schools for their academic excellence and accomplishments in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Other Blue Ribbon School winners in Colorado this year were: Swigert International School (Denver Public Schools), Tavelli Elementary School (Poudre School), Willow Creek Elementary School (Cherry Creek Schools) and Zach Elementary School (Poudre School).

Image: Kendrick Lakes Elementary students working on the playground improvements they designed via U.S. Dept. of Education.