Jess Harben Elementary won the bronze award and is one of America’s Best Schools, according to the National Center for Urban School Transformation.
The RISD campus was one of eight schools in the United States selected as a finalist for the 2023 America’s Best Schools Award by the San Diego State University-based nonprofit organization. Being named a finalist is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the leadership, teachers, staff, students, and community at Jess Harben Elementary. Receiving the Bronze Award is just the icing on the cake. As part of the award submission, Jess Harben had to include speeches by students, and Kalani Marciel and Debrra Willis both won the speech contest.
“This award is an indicator of how Jess Harben Elementary and RISD are focused on every student meeting or exceeding their academic growth goals,” said Lorie Squalls, Area Superintendent of the Berkner Learning Community. “This designation affirms our work and focus as a district on individual student growth. Every teacher, every day. Every leader, every day. Every child, every day.”
Jess Harben Elementary is Richardson ISD’s first campus to receive this recognition. Squalls said the school submitted data to the NCUST to support that every student group meets or exceeds the state average in academic proficiency while also indicating low rates of out-of-school suspension, high attendance rates, and low rates of teacher absences. The second part of the rigorous process included a day-long site visit as the NCUST committee toured classrooms, and interviewed teachers, students, parents, the principal, and the area superintendent.
The entire district is proud of the Jess Harben Elementary community for this honor. Keep up the great work! #RISDBelieves
