Williams Elementary School in Pittsfield was recognized for closing its achievement gaps.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Williams Elementary School has received national recognition for its performance.

It has been designated as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The award program honors high-performing schools and institutions making great strides in closing achievement gaps.

"There are very high expectations at Williams and a belief that all children can succeed but that is also matched by the families at that school," Superintendent Joseph Curtis told the School Committee last week.

Only eight other schools in the state have received the designation this year, 356 nationally. According to state assessments, Williams scored in the top 15 percent in English and mathematics.

Curtis reported that school staff authored a "very lengthy" application and a group of representatives will go to Washington, DC in November for a recognition ceremony. Additionally, the school's Parent-Teacher Organization and school council plan to mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Committee member Diana Belair said her family has been a part of the Williams community for about five years and spoke to the school's positive environment. She said this is great for the city.

"They're so supportive. There's really a joy of learning in that school, they're happy to be together," she explained.  

"The teachers, everybody just seems so happy and so really, it's a well-deserved recognition and I'm so proud of the teachers at that school and I'm proud of all the kids there too."

Committee member Sara Hathaway dropped off a card to Principal Kerry Light and was impressed by what she observed at the school.

"I observed the students standing in line coming in from recess. I stood at a distance and let them go back in the building and then I gave the letter to a teacher to bring inside," she said.

"But the thing that impressed me immediately was the happiness, the energy, the relationship between the students and the teachers who are organizing them to go back in the building and I can just see this is a community that works and it doesn't surprise me that they achieved a national honor."

Mayor Peter Marchetti delivered a "comment to maybe an email I haven't yet responded to," explaining that the city doesn't have to tear people down to bring people up.

"I think as a city, we need to take our time to celebrate the successes we have and it doesn't mean that when we're celebrating someone's success, we're taking others down,"

"And so I just think it's important to recognize successes because clearly if we didn't recognize them, then we wouldn't have the desire for others to try to fall in the footsteps and succeed."

The school's application explains that it distinguishes itself for scholastic triumphs and high community engagement.

"Having a proud heritage rooted in academic success, our school embodies a varied group of students, families, educators, and community members who passionately contribute to the shaping of the Williams School's identity," it reads.

In the past three years, Williams has observed significant shifts in student demographics and academic indicators. The population of students with "high needs," including those with Individualized Education Plans and students of African American/Black and multi-race backgrounds, have shown consistent growth, the school reported.

It was reported that the multilingual learner population has also increased and reflects the ever-evolving community.

"Thus, at Williams, diversity is celebrated with a student body representing various backgrounds and cultures," the school wrote.

According to demographics, the student population of over 260 is 67 percent white, 13 percent Hispanic, 8 percent Black or African American, 4 percent Asian, and 8 percent of students representing two or more races.

The school reported that 94 percent of its teachers are licensed in nearly all teaching subjects and exceed state average by 12.2 percent. Attendances are said to exceed state averages consistently, last year coming in at 94.3 percent.

"When considering student discipline, it is essential to highlight our proactive approach to fostering a positive school culture. Despite nationwide trends of high suspension rates, Williams School has remained dedicated to implementing restorative practices and maximizing instructional time for all students," the application reads.

"Last year, our school recorded zero in-school and out-of-school suspensions, demonstrating our devotion to resolving conflicts, prioritizing supportive interventions and emphasizing positive behavior reinforcement. It is through all of this work that we create a safe learning atmosphere conducive to student learning."

The school reported that 85 percent percent of families reacted favorably to a family survey that included questions about school climate, enjoyment of school, and respect for staff. Another 87 percent of families reported that their children enjoy coming to school and 91 percent acknowledge the respect their child has for staff.

Student survey results were said to correlate, ranking in the 90th percentile nationwide.

Additionally, 84 percent of caregivers said that Williams actively addresses the needs of students with IEPs and 504 accommodations by implementing provisions of these accommodations.

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