Red in our Hearts, Blue on the Wall
By Kate Wyman
Editor-in-Chief
At the very end of the 2017-2018, Richland Elementary was awarded the Missouri Gold Star, designating the elementary as one of the eight best schools in the state and opening the door to Richland’s Elementary receiving a possible Blue Ribbon.
Early in the 2018-2019 school year, Mr. Killian and Mrs. Merritt were notified that Richland’s Elementary would be designated as a Blue Ribbon school. The designation set in motion many phone calls, appointments, schedule changes, and even travel plans that all helped Richland and the community receive not only the official plaque, but all the pageantries that came with it.
One such occasion came on Friday, Feb. 15, when Missouri Gov. Mike Parson visited Richland Elementary School to present a proclamation honoring the school for receiving the National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education.
Guests were given a tour of several classrooms, and they spoke with students in elementary and high school about the technology that the school has in place that allows them to be successful. Richland is currently a 1-to-1 school, meaning every student has access to a computer (Chromebook, iPad, or other) throughout the day.
“I was impressed by the technology side and what they’re doing to prepare these kids for the workforce. It’s one of the things we really focus on. Being Governor, the workforce and infrastructure are the two priorities of my administration. And then when you get to come here and see in the classrooms these kids, all the way from kindergarten age to high school age and to see that they’re already working in that technology field is huge. I think when you think of STEM education, that’s what’s going to give these kids a chance to move up and to be productive in that workforce,” said Gov. Parson.
Richland’s Elementary School Principal Cara Merritt also spoke about the school’s use of technology, “We have continued to find ways to bring the latest technology to our students each year." We look for ways to keep our kids actively engaged and strive to provide them with the skills they need for a successful future. Our teachers are forward-thinkers and are encouraged to think outside the box.”
“The Blue Ribbon award is a well-deserved honor for our teachers, staff, and students. We work to instill a sense of pride and confidence in our students, and this award verifies all the effort. This award proves that even small schools can accomplish big things,” said Merritt.
This is the second Blue Ribbon Richland School has received in three years, the other going to the JH/HS in the 2016-2017 school year. Its distinction was followed also by a visit from then Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to Richland.
Following the gubernatorial visit, Richland’s Elementary was also visited by Missouri’s 8th Congressional District Representative Congressman Jason Smith on Friday, March 29.
After a tour of the elementary and high school buildings, Congressman Smith spoke to an assembly of the students. “Whenever you’re looking at less than 350 school districts in the country that have received it, it’s highlighting what we all know which is that in Southeast Missouri, we’re better than everyone else. This isn’t our first visit to Richland,” said Smith.
“(Richland) is a phenomenal school district. You watch the kids go in the classrooms, you see that the teaching methods are so unique compared to most schools. The students are so engaged and involved, and they like it here. It’s a different style of learning, but it’s working,” said Smith.
“I was impressed by the technology side and what they’re doing to prepare these kids for the workforce. It’s one of the things we really focus on. Being Governor, the workforce and infrastructure are the two priorities of my administration. And then when you get to come here and see in the classrooms these kids, all the way from kindergarten age to high school age and to see that they’re already working in that technology field is huge. I think when you think of STEM education, that’s what’s going to give these kids a chance to move up and to be productive in that workforce,” said Gov. Parson.
Richland’s Elementary School Principal Cara Merritt also spoke about the school’s use of technology, “We have continued to find ways to bring the latest technology to our students each year." We look for ways to keep our kids actively engaged and strive to provide them with the skills they need for a successful future. Our teachers are forward-thinkers and are encouraged to think outside the box.”
“The Blue Ribbon award is a well-deserved honor for our teachers, staff, and students. We work to instill a sense of pride and confidence in our students, and this award verifies all the effort. This award proves that even small schools can accomplish big things,” said Merritt.
This is the second Blue Ribbon Richland School has received in three years, the other going to the JH/HS in the 2016-2017 school year. Its distinction was followed also by a visit from then Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to Richland.
Following the gubernatorial visit, Richland’s Elementary was also visited by Missouri’s 8th Congressional District Representative Congressman Jason Smith on Friday, March 29.
After a tour of the elementary and high school buildings, Congressman Smith spoke to an assembly of the students. “Whenever you’re looking at less than 350 school districts in the country that have received it, it’s highlighting what we all know which is that in Southeast Missouri, we’re better than everyone else. This isn’t our first visit to Richland,” said Smith.
“(Richland) is a phenomenal school district. You watch the kids go in the classrooms, you see that the teaching methods are so unique compared to most schools. The students are so engaged and involved, and they like it here. It’s a different style of learning, but it’s working,” said Smith.