U.S. Department of Education has selected Pleasant Valley High School as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. Just 302 out of the more than 97,000 public schools were recognized with this honor!
“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I commend... all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”
The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. PVHS received the honor as an "Exemplary High-Performing School." These schools are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, as well as College and Career Readiness (attendance, graduation rate, advanced coursework, workplace learning, postsecondary enrollment, etc.)
Pleasant Valley High School was nominated by the state of Iowa and invited to apply to be a 2021 Blue Ribbon School. The application touched on the following, but you can read the full application here.
- Continued growth - due in a large part to our quality schools, excellent community support and strong businesses in the area
- Closing the achievement gap for students attending a 2 or 4 year college - in the last four years, PV graduates required to take a required math course in college reduced by half.
- Student Involvement - coordinating assemblies, involvement in building design, etc.
- College and Career Readiness
- 17 AP Courses
- 26 dual credit courses
- CTE programs
- Apprenticeships
- Internships/Job Shadows
- Dedicated, full-time Career Coordinator
- New Course focusing on the steps required to successfully transition from High School
- Professional Learning Communities - giving teachers time to collect student data, analyze it, and align course work to an individual student's needs
"We are proud to be recognized for the hard work of our teachers and students," PVHS Principal Darren Erickson said. "This honor is not just about the High School, but about the Elementaries and Junior High who send us great learners and the community that supports them every day."
PVHS also received the award in 1983-84. In addition, Cody Elementary received the award in 1985-86 and Pleasant View Elementary in 1987-88.