By Katie Parr-Ponca City Public Schools is proud to announce that Woodlands Elementary School has been recognized as an Oklahoma Blue Ribbon School, an honor awarded by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). Woodlands is one of only six schools statewide to receive this distinction.
This recognition marks the first time since 2007 that a Ponca City school has earned Blue Ribbon status making the achievement especially meaningful for our district and community.
Oklahoma reinstated the Blue Ribbon School Awards this year after the U.S. Department of Education suspended the longstanding National Blue Ribbon Schools program indefinitely. Federal officials encouraged state departments to continue recognizing high-performing schools, and Oklahoma moved quickly to honor campuses that had already been certified for nomination before the federal program was halted.
According to a recent KOSU report, State Superintendent Lindel Fields said, “These schools exemplify the very best of what education can achieve for students and communities. Their dedication to excellence reflects Oklahoma’s ongoing commitment to student success.”
Superintendent Adam Leaming and Christy Reams
Superintendent Adam Leaming added:
“Christy Reams and her staff at Woodlands embody what Superintendent Fields highlighted with the power of excellence, belief, and community working together for students. This Blue Ribbon honor belongs not only to her school but to our entire district, our Board of Education, and the Ponca City community that stands behind public education every day. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment. Out of around 130,000 schools in America, to be included as one of the top 350 is incredibly special for our community.”
Woodlands Elementary inclusion on this distinguished list highlights the school’s strong academic performance, positive school culture, and commitment to student growth. The recognition is a testament to the hard work of Woodlands students, the dedication of its staff, and the continued support of Ponca City families and the community.
Ponca City Public Schools congratulates Woodlands Elementary on this exceptional achievement.
