State, City Leaders Recognize Providence Public School District’s First National Blue Ribbon Elementary School

Published on Friday, September 27, 2024

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School becomes first elementary school in district to earn prestigious U.S. Department of Education designation 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) joined students, educators, and state, city and school leaders to formally recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School as the first elementary school in the the Providence Public School District (PPSD) to earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award since its inception in 1982. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary is the second school in the District to receive the designation following Classical High School’s 2017 awarding. The U.S. Department of Education recognized Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an Exemplary Achieving Gap Closing School for its work in narrowing achievement gaps between student groups and the overall student body.  

“Providence Public Schools earning a National Blue Ribbon designation underscores the significance of the Turnaround and our focus on curriculum, equity, and student supports. This achievement is proof that when we prioritize a high-quality, equitable education for all students, and commit to meaningful reforms, we see real progress,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We are on the right path, and this recognition fuels our determination to keep pushing for excellence across every classroom in Rhode Island. Congratulations to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and the greater PPSD community.” 

Through a rigorous review process, the U.S. Department of Education awards several hundred outstanding schools annually, to celebrate their achievement. Earlier this week, RIDE announced three Rhode Island schools received the National Blue Ribbon School designation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. joined Garvin Memorial Elementary School in Cumberland and Sowams Elementary School in Barrington as 2024 awardees. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School has shown substantial academic improvement throughout the Turnaround, tripling math proficiency and exiting Comprehensive Support and Improvement Status (CSI) and becoming a 3-star school. CSI is a federal designation for low-performing schools in need of additional support.  

“We are thrilled to come together to recognize the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary community and spotlight this national designation. The achievement is a testament to the hard work of our educators, students, and staff,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “As we celebrate our second National Blue Ribbon School and first Blue Ribbon elementary, and with the Turnaround Action Plan as our North Star, we remain committed to advancing academics and supporting students throughout the District.” 

"On behalf of the Providence City Council, I congratulate the students, parents, teachers, administrators, and all who helped the MLK school community receive this national award,” said Councilor Sue AnderBois. “As a City, we want to ensure that all students can learn in welcoming schools that promote excellence in education and help students reach their highest potential. We’re proud to celebrate Providence’s first Blue Ribbon for an elementary school. I’m impressed by our students and fully expect to celebrate yet another soon.”

“It takes a village to close achievement gaps, and the dedication of the entire community made all the difference,” said Providence School Board Secretary Melissa Hughes. “The National Blue Ribbon designation for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, collaboration, and commitment from our educators, students, families, administrators, and greater PPSD community. Together, we are proving what is possible when we work as one.” 

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the educators at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, as well as the collective efforts of the entire school community,” said Providence Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro. “Our teachers go above and beyond every day to close achievement gaps and provide students with the high-quality education they deserve. This award showcases what is possible when we work together to ensure equity and excellence for all learners.”   

“In my 13 years at MLK, I have seen so much growth within teaching and learning,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Principal Kristen Lussier. “Our school receives tremendous support from families and the community, and our teachers and support staff work diligently to bring out the best in our students and set them up for success. On behalf of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School community, it is an honor to serve the students and families of Providence and we look forward to continuing to improve student achievement.”

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program and this year’s winners, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Hear from students, educators, and school and district leaders in PPSD’s National Blue Ribbon Spotlight video.  

On Monday, September 30, state, municipal, and district leaders will honor Garvin Memorial and Sowams elementary schools at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. recognition ceremonies, respectively. Members of the media interested in attending as asked to RSVP to Victor.Morente@ride.ri.gov 

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