Stonewall Jackson Elementary School
Stonewall Jackson Elementary has often been in the news because of its name, but part of the resistance against a name change is rooted in the stellar reputation of the school’s academic rigor, inclusivity and vibrant garden.
While the name issue is not yet resolved, it is high time that the school be mentioned for something other than being named after a Confederate General.
Eighteen years ago this month, on the school’s 60th anniversary, it was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon school, one of 41 schools in Texas to earn that honor by the Department of Education that year. The award considers academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, school curriculum, community and parental involvement.
The rigorous application was aided by Lori Burrous, a Stonewall parent who was a professional grant writer. Burrous had a reassuring word to those who are worried about how the loss of the Stonewall name might affect property values, saying “Living near a Blue Ribbon school increases property values.” Read the entire story here.
