Edgemont Elementary’s Harmony Kartchner Honored at USBE for National Blue Ribbon Recognition

October 4th, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Edgemont, Elementary School, News, Recognitions and Awards, Schools

On October 3rd, Principal Harmony Kartchner of Edgemont Elementary School stood proudly at the Utah State Board of Education (U.S.B.E.) Board Room podium as her school was formally recognized for its recent National Blue Ribbon School designation.

“The team approach between parents, educators, and students—and your district support—is critical,” commented U.S.B.E. Board Representative Randy Booth. “You’ve determined that you’re going to work together and use all of the resources, particularly the human resources, that you have,” she continued. “We’re proud of you and shouting from the rooftops: Look at these guys—they’re making it happen!”

Edgemont Elementary’s selection as a National Blue Ribbon School. Being nominated for this award means that the school took on a rigorous review process by the U.S. Department of Education, affirming that only the best receive this honor. Since its inception, nearly 10,000 awards have been bestowed to more than 9,000 schools nationwide, spanning various geographic and socioeconomic contexts.

Harmony Kartchner expressed gratitude to our state school board in an address, underscoring the collective effort behind Edgemont’s success. “We don’t want to leave any child behind,” she said. “We have our student success team that teachers can refer their students to if they’re concerned socially, academically, or behaviorally. As a team, we problem-solve and support teachers so they can do the work they need to do in the classroom.”

Kartchner highlighted the school’s unique programs, such as French immersion and S.T.E.M. integration, and shared how Edgemont has earned its place as a Platinum STEM-designated school this year. “It’s a good year for Edgemont Elementary,” she noted. “We strongly emphasize the arts and try to focus on integrating those concepts through science and engineering, which engage students.”

As a Beverly Taylor Sorensen Arts Learning Program school, Edgemont blends the arts with core curriculum areas to create a dynamic learning environment. “We’ve designed our STEAM approach to engage students in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts, making these subjects accessible and meaningful,” Kartchner added.

U.S.B.E. board members praised Kartchner and her team for the spirit of camaraderie, extending beyond the school programs, that led to Edgemont’s success:

In my day job, I sometimes get to go in and out of Edgemont, just as recently as last week. I think it’s important when we hear these kinds of presentations to know that it’s not just the data on the page that goes to D.C. Just last week, I was sitting in the hall waiting to do something in a classroom, and one of your teachers, who doesn’t even know me, went out of her way to come up and welcome me. She is a force. You can feel the energy and how welcoming that is to the community—parents, students, and folks that are there.

Kartchner will soon travel to Washington, D.C., alongside Superintendent Wendy Dau and Vice Principal Desiree Olsen, for further national recognition for their National Blue Ribbon status.