Salinas, CA – Frank Ledesma Elementary School in the Soledad Unified School District was one of 35 schools nominated by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson for the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program operates under the U.S. Department of Education and recognizes elementary and secondary schools that are academically superior or have demonstrated dramatic gains in student achievement while serving an economically disadvantaged population of students. Additionally, nominated schools must meet all of its 2012 Academic Performance Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets for the school overall and for each numerically significant subgroup (e.g., socioeconomically disadvantaged children, English learners and children of color).

“We are very proud of the team at Frank Ledesma. They have worked diligently and passionately to help students reach their academic goals. This is a tremendous recognition to be nominated from among the thousands of public schools in this state. Our students, parents and staff have worked so hard and are so deserving of this honor,” said Deneen Newman, Superintendent, Soledad Unified School District.
 
“Frank Ledesma Elementary School serves as an example of excellence in education. I had the opportunity to congratulate the principal and staff this week, and see first-hand the exceptional work they are doing with students at every grade level. It was inspiring to see the dedication and passion of the teachers engaging their students in the classroom,” said Dr. Nancy Kotowski, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools.

Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored later this fall at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. They will receive a plaque and flag to prominently display.

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