T.S. Cooley Elementary honored as 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, principal tells board

T.S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School was presented to the Calcasieu Parish School Board as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon recipient during the board's Nov. 12 meeting. "I am Emily Alcock, the proud principal of T.S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School," Alcock said, explaining the nomination and selection process and describing the honor as both recognition and renewed motivation for staff and students.

Alcock told the board that the Blue Ribbon program, established by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 1982, recognizes schools for either high performance or progress closing achievement gaps. She said schools are nominated by state education chiefs and undergo an extensive application and validation process; the transcript notes this year's cohort included 356 public schools and 40 private schools nationwide. Alcock said T.S. Cooley's 2024 award follows prior recognitions in 2012 and 2018.

"The recognition has re-energized our school and has renewed our commitment to collaborate and innovate to do what is best for our students," Alcock said, adding that classroom culture and strong teacher-student relationships are central to the school's work. She asked the board to recognize teachers and staff in attendance and thanked the board for its continued support of the magnet program.

The presentation emphasized the school's ongoing focus on instruction, leadership and community partnerships. No formal vote was required; the item was presented as a recognition to be entered into the record.

Alcock said the plaque she received in Washington, D.C., will be placed at the school and that the award brings renewed attention to local programming and a continued commitment to continuous improvement.