Texico school earns 'Blue Ribbon' award

Texico Middle School is one of three New Mexico schools that will be honored in the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which recognizes schools for overall academic performance and progress in closing student achievement gaps.

The other two schools are Acequia Madre Elementary in Santa Fe and Albuquerque School of Excellence in Albuquerque.

The Blue Ribbon School designation, conferred annually by the U.S. Department of Education, celebrates public and private schools for overall academic excellence or progress closing achievement gaps. New Mexico’s Blue Ribbon Schools are among 297 schools selected nationally this year.

“New Mexico’s Blue Ribbon Schools inspire young minds to excel, maintain high standards and support all students. This is a prestigious award received by a few schools across the country,” Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus said.

Texico Middle School Principal Dee Rae Timberlake attributes the Blue Ribbon designation to the extensive work of the school’s educators.

“Our success is credited to our amazing educators and staff at Texico. Mediocrity is not in their vocabulary and that mindset has transferred to our students in our classrooms,” Timberlake said.

Writing in the middle school’s page on the National Blue Ribbon Schools website: “Instruction in Texico is not designed for students to sit and get. Instructional practices are also supported with technology. Every student has access to a school issued device allowing our twenty-first century learners to create and explore learning with limitless opportunities.”

“Additionally, our teachers build academic relationships with students that create a respectful atmosphere for learning thus allowing for students to thrive socially, academically, and personally.”

“The staff of Texico Middle School are the true reason that the students are successful and thriving.”

New Mexico’s three Blue Ribbon School award recipients will receive awards at a ceremony this November in Washington, D.C.