BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Two North Dakota elementary schools are being honored as national “Blue Ribbon Schools.”

The award is being given to Harwood Elementary School, north of Fargo, and New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School. New Rockford is about 40 miles southwest of Devils Lake.

The two schools will receive their honors in mid-November during a ceremony in suburban Washington, D-C.

New Rockford-Sheyenne Principal Natalie Becker says the Blue Ribbon honor is a great pat on the back.

Harwood Principal Jerry Standifer says it is heartening for the Harwood school to be recognized for good teaching and learning.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says the Blue Ribbon designation is a great achievement for two of North Dakota’s best rural schools.

“Reaching Blue Ribbon status is an extraordinary honor, and we have been fortunate to have eight of our North Dakota schools recognized in the past three years,” the superintendent said. “Becoming a national Blue Ribbon School takes a great deal of work and effort, and the teachers and administrators at Harwood and New Rockford-Sheyenne elementary schools worked as teams, and rose to the occasion.”