Blue Ribbon for SouthmostElementary

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has officially announced
that 314 schools, including Brownsville’s Southmost Elementary, have
been selected as 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The schools -
264 public and 50 private - will be honored at an awards ceremony on
November 3, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

“These Blue Ribbon Schools have shown that all children can learn with appropriate supports,” Duncan said. “They are producing outstanding results for their students. Some have shown dramatic improvements in places where students are overcoming the challenges of poverty, and others serve as examples of consistent excellence that can be a resource for other schools. They are places where improved teaching and learning benefits every student, and where students are challenged to meet high expectations with the active support of teachers, parents and the community.”

"Southmost Elementary is the first school in the history of Brownsville ISD to earn this national distinction. Congratulations to Principal Jimmy Haynes, his students, parents and employees. You make our district proud," said Interim Superintendent Brett Springston.

Texas has a total of 26 Blue Ribbon Schools this year and two are from the Rio Grande Valley, Southmost Elementary and Bowie Elementary in Alamo, Texas.