Tool Elementary nominated for national Blue Ribbon recognition

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

So Malakoff ISD, what’s better than having a nationally-recognized, Blue Ribbon elementary school?

Having two.

Malakoff Elementary School was nominated and earned the national Blue Ribbon recognition in 2015, and Wednesday it was announced that Tool Elementary School has been nominated in 2016.

“Tool Elementary is one of only 26 campuses from all the campuses around the state to receive this honor,” said Superintendent Randy Perry. “Malakoff ISD is very proud of the leadership of Principal Christal Calhoun and the hard working teachers, staff and students of Tool Elementary.

Calhoun said the school and community were excited to hear the news.

“Today has been a great blessing for the staff, students and the many community members who support Tool Elementary,” she said. “To have an opportunity to be acknowledged for your effort and achievement is a wonderful experience. We are excited to accept this nomination and will wait anxiously for the final results. Tool Elementary will continue to give everything we’ve got to provide a strong foundation for each student.”

All schools that have been nominated for the 2016 honor were selected as exemplary high performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Each school has an economically disadvantaged population of 20 percent or greater.

According to a Texas Education Agency (TEA) press release, “The nominated schools must now complete a rigorous application process through the U.S. Department of Education. Announcements of the national award winners will be made in September 2016. Schools that receive the award are recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.”

Wednesday’s nomination was made even more impressive because Malakoff was by far the smallest district in the state to have a campus nominated last year and this year. The next smallest repeat district was Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, which has five high schools.

“I am so honored to be a part of the team at Malakoff ISD,” said Randy Perry. “I see how hard our teachers at Tool Elementary work each day to make their students successful. To have Malakoff Elementary and Tool Elementary in back to back years be listed among the top 26 campuses in the state of Texas is thrilling.”

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Updated 4:22 p.m. — Added comments from Principal Christal Calhoun.