Two Houston Independent School District elementary schools have been nominated for the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious national 2016 Blue Ribbon School designation.

National Blue Ribbons are awarded annually to high-performing schools to validate the hard work of students and educators. Lovett and Oak Forest elementary schools are among 26 public schools in Texas to be nominated for the recognition.

Oak Forest Elementary offers a Vanguard magnet program that aims to provide students with a nurturing, but challenging learning environment and rigorous curriculum that stresses problem solving, originality, creativity, and the uniqueness of individuals.

“I feel very proud to be part of a campus that has such a phenomenal group of students and teachers who work so hard to make sure our students grow and their individual needs are met,” Oak Forest Principal April Williams said. “Student achievement is our number one priority. My entire staff is focused on that goal, and we achieve this by building relationships with our students.”

Lovett Elementary is a fine arts magnet offering a rigorous academic curriculum in combination with specialty programs in music (band, orchestra, classroom music and chorus), visual arts and physical education. Lovett administrators believe these fine arts programs are an integral part of the education of their students.

“I am so proud of my school and the work we do every day to impact our students and school community,” Lovett Principal Dawn Thompson said. “Our campus is built around collaboration and high expectations. We have a strong group of educators who grow and stretch themselves to meet the needs of all our students to ensure they are provided a high quality education. “

To earn a nomination, schools must be deemed exemplary and high performing as measured by state assessments and nationally normed tests. Also, the student population on campus must be at least 20 percent economically disadvantaged.

Nominated schools now must work with the U. S. Department of Education to complete a rigorous application process. National award winners will be announced in September and then recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

For more on Oak Forest Elementary School, go to www.houstonisd.org/Page/47179.

For more on Lovett Elementary School, go to www.houstonisd.org/domain/28.