RI Education

In his letter notifying the school of the award, Paige called the school “a model of excellence

from which others can learn.”

Education Commissioner Peter McWalters nominated the Archie Cole School for the award

last year, based on its high levels of achievement on state tests. The school then completed a

lengthy application process and underwent a review by the U.S. Education Department.

Nationwide, 256 schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The Archie Cole

School is one of only 30 middle schools to be honored this year.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri offered his congratulations to the school: “I am delighted that

my alma mater, Archie R. Cole Middle School, is being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by

the U.S. Department of Education,” Governor Carcieri said. “Blue Ribbon Schools are models

of excellence that others can learn from. Archie Cole is getting the kinds of results that we want

all Rhode Island students to achieve. I want to congratulate the principals, the teachers, the

parents, and especially the students of Archie Cole for their hard work and stellar performance.”

“I would like to join Governor Carcieri in congratulating the staff and the students at Archie

Cole Middle School,” said James A. DiPrete, Chairman of the R.I. Board of Regents for

Elementary and Secondary Education. “As we embark on our statewide project of middle-school

reform, we will look to Archie Cole as one of the models for high achievement. It can be an

inspiration to other middle schools throughout the state.”

“Among our middle schools, the Archie Cole School has been a leader in achievement for

many years,” said Commissioner McWalters. “The students have been among the highest

achieving in the state, and the staff – which includes two Milken Award winners – has

consistently set and lived up to high standards.”

The Archie Cole School will be recognized in a program before the next Board of Regents

meeting, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23rd, at the R.I. Department of Education.

The Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982. The Archie R. Cole School won the award

previously, in 1988. It is the only school in the state to receive the award this year.

For more information about the program, see the U.S. Education Department Web site,

http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html

-30-

Click here for more information

More RI News

Home

The King's Feast Food, frolic, and Fun! 401/573-0300