04/24/2026
Stillwater is proud of our exceptional schools! Congratulations to Stillwater Public Schools and Sangre Ridge Elementary on this national recognition. Achievements like this reflect the strong community, quality of life, and educational excellence that continue to make Stillwater a great place to live, work, and grow. 💙
Congratulations to Sangre Ridge Elementary on being one of just 32 schools nationwide (and the only Oklahoma school) to earn to the National “Kind School” Designation for excellence in school culture!
Full Release Below:
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(Stillwater, Oklahoma, April 23, 2026) Stillwater Public Schools (SPS)is proud to announce that Sangre Ridge Elementary has been named a recipient of the inaugural Kind School Designation for the 2025-26 school year. Awarded by Teach Kindness, a national initiative of the Stand for Children Leadership Center, the honor recognizes Sangre Ridge as a national leader in fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive school climate.
Sangre Ridge is the only school in Oklahoma to receive this designation this year, joining a select group of 32 schools across 18 states.
The Kind School Designation is awarded to schools that go beyond occasional acts of kindness to make the quality a fundamental part of the school. To earn the designation, schools build a shared definition of kindness, deliver skill-building lessons schoolwide, and complete a student-driven kindness project.
"We are incredibly honored to see Sangre Ridge Elementary recognized on a national stage with the Kind School Designation," said Principal Cami Patzkowski. " This award isn't just a plaque for our hallway. It’s a reflection of the daily, intentional choices made by our students, teachers, and families to prioritize empathy and belonging. At Sangre Ridge, we believe that academic success and emotional wellbeing go hand-in-hand. When children feel safe and included, they thrive. Counselor Emily Deason does a phenomenal job leading our students and staff to find ways to spread kindness each and every day!"
"It takes real effort to build a school culture where kindness is the norm, not the exception,” said Brandi Watts, National Director of Teach Kindness. “These schools are showing that kindness can be taught and practiced alongside academics.”.”
By earning this designation, Sangre Ridge Elementary continues to solidify Stillwater Public Schools' commitment to creating environments where students can thrive academically and socially.
