CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
Vol. 43, No. 75
November 6, 2009
Commissioner Commends “Blue Ribbon” Principal from House Springs
Kimm O’Connor, principal of Cedar Springs Elementary School, Northwest R-I School District (Jefferson County) was honored this week as one of America’s elite principals by the U.S. Department of Education.
During the 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools Awards ceremony held this week (Nov. 3) in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Education presented the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership to eight elementary principals, including Ms. O’Connor.
Named for the former U.S. Secretary of Education, the Terrel H. Bell Award recognizes outstanding school principals and the critical role they play in providing leadership for students, faculty and communities in overcoming challenging circumstances.
Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro, who formerly taught in the Northwest R-I School District, joined federal officials in commending Ms. O’Connor for her accomplishments.
“More than 300 elementary schools across America were honored this year as Blue Ribbon Schools, but only eight elementary principals were selected by federal officials for this prestigious award. We congratulate Ms. O’Connor, along with students, faculty and parents at Cedar Springs Elementary, for their outstanding progress and accomplishments,” Nicastro said.
Cedar Springs Elementary School, located in House Springs, is one of eight Missouri elementary schools honored this fall in the annual Blue Ribbon Schools program.
The U.S. Department of Education presents the Bell Awards annually in conjunction with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Middle Schools Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.