West Newton Elementary is proud to have been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School during the 1998-99 school year. Blue Ribbon status recognizes schools for exemplary performance in all areas of school programming.

September 1, 1999 - This October West Newton Principal Janet Larch along with Angie Lorenzano-Kiplinger and teacher Sallie Thomas traveled to Washington DC to receive the school's National Blue Ribbon Award. There were 226 schools who received this prestigious award, and West Newton was one of four Hoosier schools selected. President Clinton and Dick Riley, Secretary of Education spoke at special events planned to recognize the schools. They were able to meet with Evan Bayh who congratulated them on their school's achievement. A special award ceremony was held for the Blue Ribbon schools where each school was given a flag with the Department of Education seal that declared "A National school of Excellence." Mrs. Larch presented the flag to the West Newton students. You can see the flag flying in front of the West Newton School.