State, Town Leaders Recognize Barrington's Fourth National Blue Ribbon School

Published on Monday, September 30, 2024

Sowams Elementary School becomes fourth school in district to earn prestigious U.S. Department of Education designation

BARRINGTON, RI -- Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) joined students, educators, and state, town and school leaders to formally recognize Sowams Elementary School as the district’s fourth school to earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award. The U.S. Department of Education recognized Sowams Elementary School as an Exemplary High-Performing School for being among Rhode Island's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments.

"As our newest National Blue Ribbon Schools, Garvin Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sowams Elementary exemplify what is possible when we prioritize high quality education and high standards for every student," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We applaud these school communities and remain committed to building on this success to ensure all Rhode Island students have the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.”  

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. Sowams Elementary School joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Providence and Garvin Memorial Elementary School in Cumberland as 2024 awardees. 

"Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a fantastic achievement for Sowams Elementary School," said BPS Superintendent Robert Wargo. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, students, and community. Celebrating such excellence in education is important, and it shows a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment."

Sowams Elementary School is the fourth school in Barrington to receive a Blue Ribbon Award, and the school department's seventh award, joining Nayatt Elementary School in 2015, Barrington Middle School in 2003 and 2014, and Barrington High School in 2002, 2016 and 2022.

"I am incredibly proud of our Sowams School community," said Sowams Elementary Principal Jim Callahan. "The National Blue Ribbon recognition epitomizes the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, the hard work and perseverance of our students, and the trust and support of our families. It's an honor to work each day with every member of our Sowams community, all of whom deserve this acknowledgement."

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program and this year’s winners, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

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