We Congratulate McNeill Elementary School In Bowling Green, Kentucky, ( My Kids' Elementary School) For Being Named A National Blue Ribbon School.

(Bowling Green City School Superintendent Joe Tinius greets Principal Marsha Ingram as she walks the halls Thursday at W.R. McNeill Elementary School.)

McNeill school wins Blue Ribbon status
By LAUREL WILSON

W.R. McNeill Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School on Thursday.

The honor is given to public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high levels or where the achievement gap is narrowing. In McNeill’s case, it’s because of high scores on state assessments, said Joe Tinius, superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools.

Tinius said he’s excited for McNeill and proud of the school community.

“I think this recognition is acknowledgment of the commitment and dedication of the faculty and staff of McNeill over the years,” Tinius said.

It can also be attributed to the students and families who have attended the school, he said.

McNeill Principal Marsha Ingram said she thinks the recognition is “awesome” for the school’s students and teachers.

“It’s an outstanding honor, not just for McNeill, but for the district,” Ingram said.

She said it speaks highly of the district that three of its schools have now been named Blue Ribbon Schools. T.C. Cherry Elementary was given the honor in 2003 and Potter Gray Elementary was selected in 2009, according to a news release. Among Warren County Public Schools, Lost River Elementary was recognized in 1996 and 2005.

“I think it gives us reason to believe that many of the things we’re doing in our elementary schools are having an impact on students,” Tinius said.

McNeill is one of 305 schools in the nation to be honored this year, and one of just six in the state, according to the news release. Kentucky’s commissioner of education nominates schools in the spring, and when test scores and No Child Left Behind results are determined, the U.S. secretary of education decides which schools receive a Blue Ribbon.

The recognition sets high expectations at the school from now on, Tinius said. However, he’s confident that McNeill will continue to excel.

Ingram said she’s proud of her staff and students, and knows they’ll keep doing well.

“We have always been a school of excellence, and we’ll continue to do what we’ve always done - meet the needs of our students,” Ingram said.