The Mansfield R-IV School District is excited to announce that Mansfield Middle School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021! Nomination for this prestigious award was a progression starting with the Missouri Commissioner of Education, Margie Vandeven, naming the Mansfield Middle School a Gold Star recipient earlier this year. Following the receipt of school nominations from States the U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, and his staff then determined recipients of the National Blue Ribbon award for 2021.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is a nationwide program aimed at recognizing great schools. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. Since 1982 the U.S. Department of Education has been seeking out and celebrating great American schools through the process of awarding the National Blue Ribbon. NBRA schools have proven traditions of demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. After 38 years the NBRS Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. As part of the selection process for NBRS recognition, the reviewers look at overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. This is the first time a Mansfield school has received such national-level recognition.

To the middle school staff a huge congratulations on maintaining the tradition of excellence for these many years. To the members of our staff throughout the district, our Board, and our community the NBRS is a recognition of the Middle School's academic performance AND an endorsement of how hard everyone works for the kids of this community and how much that community supports the district. It is a fact, teamwork and dedication are what make something like this possible.

This recognition confirms what every staff and faculty member at Mansfield knows. From the buses they ride, the meals they eat, the offices they check-in and out of, the beautiful facilities they walk through, and the lessons they learn, students of this district are well cared for and receive first-rate educational services. I thank you all!

Respectfully,

Dr. Richard W. Wylie, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Mansfield R-IV School District

Brad Hanger has taken the position of School Resource Officer (SRO) at the Mansfield R-IV staff. Mr. Hanger has been making his rounds throughout the district so students and staff have an opportunity to know who he is and a little about what he will be doing for the district. The SRO position will enhance safety and security in the district, aid in managing chronic non-attendance, and enhance the ability to support students in making good decisions.

Mr. Hanger has been an officer with the Mansfield Police Department for a number of years, retiring as the Chief on September 1st. His law enforcement experience is extensive and will now be used to educate students about law-related topics. Mr. Hanger will also mentor students as an informal adviser and role model. He will be working with teachers, counselors, and administrators to support efforts to educate students on law-related topics such as bullying, gang violence, driving safety, underage drinking, and more. While school discipline situations will remain the responsibility of school administrators, Mr. Hanger can and will serve as a support for any issue involving lawfulness.