Texas Border Business
ALAMO – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD’s Zeferino Farias Elementary in Alamo received the official notification of being named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education.
The US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021, including 26 schools in Texas. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Farias Elementary is now the seventh PSJA ISD school to receive this recognition.
“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 Secretary 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 coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.
“We congratulate the Farias Elementary student body, parents, teachers, administration and staff for continuing to strive for excellence,” said PSJA ISD School Board President Jorge Zambrano. “This award is a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on joining this elite group of schools throughout the country, we are so proud of this accomplishment!”
Farias Elementary prides itself in offering a high-quality instructional academic program that includes committed school personnel, community members and parents working together to meet the needs of every student and prepare them to be 21st century life-long learners.
“Our school motto is, ‘Learners Today and Leaders Tomorrow’, which shows our beliefs that learning is a life-long process,” said Principal Leticia Rodriguez. “We are extremely happy for being named a Blue Ribbon School and sharing this accolade with our school and community family. This is possible thanks to many coming together for the same cause, to raise our future leaders.”
PSJA ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo visited the campus to personally congratulate them for this achievement.
“In a two-year span we have had two schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools showing the impact of our great PSJA team,” said Dr. Arredondo. “We are super proud of the work of every member of Farias Elementary. This National award speaks volume of their work ethic and strive for greatness. Congratulations again!
