The U.S. Department of Education today recognized 353 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023, including 11 schools in Michigan. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on assessments.
The two Upper Peninsula schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
Norway – Norway Elementary School, Norway-Vulcan Area Schools.
Norway elementary school prides itself on creating an engaging, first-class learning environment focused on the needs of our students, families, and staff.
Our early adoption of technology and updating classroom resources have enhanced student growth and achievement. The community bond passage of a 1:1 technology initiative and teacher-led English language arts and math resource selections have coincided with exemplary results. Investing in high-quality resources is paramount. Additionally, by using a social-emotional approach to students through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts initiative, students are equipped with the skills to engage with peers and staff in a genuine, empathic nature.
Community engagement is at the heart of our school. Norway Elementary (and Norway-Vulcan Area Schools, in general) arre the central hub of our community. We host athletics, academics, PTO events, summer programming, daycare, and other activities that keep the school campus bustling year-round. Multi-generational community members are seen attending these events, encouraging our students in their endeavors, cheering on their Knights, and supporting our staff.
Our stellar staff is the cornerstone in making Norway Elementary a great place to learn and achieve. We recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain exemplary professionals with a passion for connecting with students and families. Our teachers bond with their classroom community which enhances growth and achievement. As staff connects to students and families, we gain devoted partners in the educational journey.
Houghton – Houghton Elementary School, Houghton-Portage Township Schools
Houghton Elementary School is a place that emphasizes strong academic goals and beliefs. Our teachers, administrators, and staff are committed to fully supporting our students academically and socially to make sure that they are given every opportunity to succeed. We place a top priority on the wellness of our students as individuals. We know that students do their best when they have a meaningful personal connection to both adults and peers. Houghton Elementary prioritizes those connections through the Capturing Kids Hearts initiative, utilizing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, along with providing many other professional development opportunities for our staff. We have worked hard to put procedures in place to help all students in our building. It is important for us to make sure no student feels alone or under served.
Collaboration has been a staple of our overall success. We use leadership teams that help to provide direction and stability when making large-scale decisions. These important commitments can determine success, which makes it extremely important to have staff input as a driving force to keep us on the cutting edge of education. Our community also plays a significant role in the achievements of Houghton Elementary School and our district overall. We listen to community needs, and these play a role in our decision-making process. Every practice and procedure is geared toward a single mission at Houghton Elementary School, to support each and every student, every day.
THE AWARDS:
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”
With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.
While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
- Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
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