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DES MOINES — Praised by the state’s education director for its students’ reading and math proficiency and the school’s program to reduce chronic absences, Prairie Hill Elementary School in the College Community School District has been honored as one of four Blue Ribbon Schools in the state.

The honor was announced Wednesday during a press conference at the Iowa Capitol, which included remarks from Gov. Kim Reynolds and state Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow.

The Blue Ribbon Schools program honors “exemplary schools that are achieving their unique educational goals,” according to the Iowa Department of Education.

Prairie Hill Principal Scott Schipper accepted the honor and spok

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