For the second time in its history, J.A. Kawas Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. This is the second National Blue Ribbon title won by Kawas Elementary School with the first one bestowed in 2018. Because of their students’ academic prowess, Kawas was also ranked second in the State of Texas.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
This has been a historical achievement for Laredo Independent School which now claims a total of 11 nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School titles in the course of eight years, a distinction which no other area school district can claim. Hector J. Garcia Early College High School won the Blue Ribbon title in 2017 and 2023. Garcia ECHS remains the only high school in Webb County to earn this award. LISD campuses with National Blue Ribbon titles include: Kawas Elementary School, 2018; Zachry, Dovalina, Ryan, and J.C. Martin Elementary Schools, 2019; Heights and Leyendecker Elementary Schools, 2020; Farias Elementary School, 2023; and Kawas Elementary School, 2024.
“On behalf of the LISD Board of Trustees, I extend our congratulations to the children, their parents, teachers, campus administration, and support staff at Kawas Elementary School,” said Board President Juan Ramirez, Jr. “We are enormously proud of the accomplishments achieved by the students and staff at Kawas Elementary.”
LISD Trustee Monica Garcia who represents District 7 which includes Kawas Elementary School, applauds this coveted accolade. “Such a commendation reflects the dedication to excellence for which Kawas Elementary has become known, these educators, together with students and parents, have created a very successful school that is developing dynamic future leaders for our community. ” Garcia said. “Well-deserved praise, cheers, and best wishes for continued success are sent to all Kawas staff and students for their exemplary performance.”
“Laredo ISD has created a culture of excellence that extends from our students to our staff, parents, and community,” said LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios. “With this being said, this excellence has manifested itself in each and every one of our schools. I am immensely proud and grateful to every single individual at Kawas elementary who has worked diligently every day towards the success of their students. Working together with our Board of Trustees, parents, and community partners, LISD remains focused on its mission to create a safe and secure nurturing environment where students thrive and master rigorous content. LISD continues to lead the way, inspire change, support growth, and drive results.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools, such as Kawas Elementary, are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School banner displayed in the Kawas Elementary’s front door reminds visitors that the campus is recognized for its exceptional teaching and learning. The school serves as a model for its effective and innovative practices.
The USDE Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized as either Exemplary High Performing Schools or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.
Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Kawas Elementary School was named an Exemplary High Performing School.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Kawas Elementary School students will commemorate their second National Blue Ribbon award with a celebration on Tuesday, September 24, at 10:00 a.m. Located at 2100 S. Milmo in South Laredo, Kawas opened the doors to its newly constructed campus this past August. Erika Rodriguez is principal at Kawas Elementary School which serves 359 students and 50 faculty members.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, including the Texas Education Agency, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
Representatives from Laredo ISD and Kawas Elementary will travel to Washington D.C., in November to formally accept their award. Blue Ribbon participants will have an opportunity to network, share ideas, and converse with the USDE about excellence in education. Kawas principal Erika Rodriguez and Dr. Rios will receive a National Blue Ribbon School flag and a plaque during the awards luncheon.