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than helping all children realize their full potential," Duncan said. "Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future."
• Dalchow agrees, saying "This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and support our staff, students, and community give to our school and district. An award like this does not happen unless everyone involved works together. I am proud to be a part of it."
• Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored America's most successful public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. The schools will be honored at a recognition ceremony in November in Washington, D.C.
• While Groton Elementary may be honored, Dalchow will not be making the trip to Washington, D.C. to pick up the award.
• "It's hard to justify spending $3,000 to send me to collect a plaque and a flag," Dalchow said. "It's not financially responsible."
• There will be a formal announcement of the award during the program on Friday, September 21 at 9:30 am in the Groton Elementary Gym. The school will be recognizing all the student's accomplishments and awarding DSTEP prizes.
• Besides the honor of being named one of the top schools in the country, Groton Elementary will be awarded a plaque to hang in the school and a flag to fly over the school.
• A Blue Ribbon School flag overhead has become a mark of excellence, a symbol of quality recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities. The Program is both a high aspiration and a potent resource of practitioner knowledge. It sets a high standard for all schools striving to be great. Other South Dakota schools honored are Parker Elementary School, Parker School District and Wall Elementary School, Wall School District.

• -Char Telkamp

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