Today, I was pleased to meet with Dallas residents Johanna Bortnem and Dr. René Schmidt of the George Bannerman Dealey International Academy.  They visited Washington, DC to accept an award from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honoring Dealey International Academy as a 2009 Blue Ribbon School. 

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors both public and private schools across the country that have either made exceptional advancements in student achievement and have helped close gaps in achievement seen in minority and disadvantaged students, or schools that are academically superior.  This year, Secretary Duncan awarded 314 schools – 264 public and 50 private – as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools.

Dealey International Academy is a magnet middle school in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).  Although students must qualify to attend, Dealey International Academy accepts students with more average test scores than the typical magnet school.  Sixteen buses run daily to bring students from all areas of Dallas to Dealey International Academy.

David and Johanna Bortnem and Dr. René
Schmidt with Congressman Pete Sessions

The Dealey International Academy’s principal, Johanna Bortnem, attributes much of the school’s success to its relationship with the Dealey Montessori Vanguard, which shares a campus and principal with the International Academy.  A majority of the students who attend the Montessori Vanguard from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade go on to attend the International Academy for middle school.  Students from the International Academy leave academically prepared to attend the high school of their choice, and many continue their education at DISD magnet high schools.

I congratulate the George Bannerman Dealey International Academy for being named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School and for its commitment to providing a positive learning environment that shapes students to be future leaders in our community.  The faculty and administration’s teamwork and leadership has made them truly deserving of this award and I am happy to have had the opportunity to personally thank Principal Bortnem and Dr. Schmidt for their efforts.

 

from: Betty Schwarz @ 11/6/2009 5:55 PM
Thank you for recognizing the Dealey International Academy for being named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School. I am sure all faculty and staff have contributed to this honor. However, as a proud mother of the principal, Johanna Bortnem, I know the hard work and numerous hours she has devoted to this school over the past years since she has been principal.