Dorr Elementary has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education, which recognized 353 schools for 2023.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.

Dorr Elementary received the award in the Exemplary High-Performance Schools category. It qualified for the award because its student subgroups outperformed their statewide subgroup peers on the third grade M-STEP for the 2022 and 2023 school years

Wayland Union Schools Supt. Rim Reeves said, “We are so proud of the staff and students for their accomplishments in being named a National Blue Ribbon school. The focus, commitment, and leadership of this staff make all at Dorr Elementary deserving of this great recognition! A small team of administrators from Dorr Elementary and Central Office have been working on this application process for about a year now and have had to keep it a secret. It is very exciting to finally be able to share the news and celebrate with our community.”

Teresa Fulk, assistant superintendent of instructional services, said, “It’s really exciting that in the last six years, we’ve had two elementary schools receive recognition at the national level.”

Steeby Elementary was recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School.

“These prestigious, highly coveted awards are a testament to the work that our teachers and instructional staff are doing inside our schools and classrooms every day,” Fulk continued. “Our district has made an investment and continues to invest in, creating a culture and providing an instructional program that meets the needs of ALL students. I am proud of the work that is happening at Dorr Elementary and Wayland Union Schools. It’s a great day to be a Wildcat!”

Dorr Elementary Principal Robin Seniura said, “The Dorr Team is fully committed to see all students succeed. ALL means ALL! I am so proud of the vision they maintain and the work they do each and every day through relationship building, high academic standards, and strong work ethic. Our students in turn work hard and achieve!

“We also must give credit to our families and community who walk beside us on this journey.”

The recognition l builds on an established culture of excellence. Dorr Elementary was previously awarded a Blue Ribbon award from the Michigan Department of Education during the 1998-1999 school year.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.