The following article was contributed by Annette Jones, NCEA Assistant Director of Leadership Development.
The National Blue Ribbon Award is the most prestigious recognition for schools bestowed by the United States Department of Education. In order to qualify, private schools’ student achievement in English and mathematics must place among the highest in the country (top 15%) measured by state assessments and/or nationally normed tests. The extensive application includes data and essays focused on curriculum, demographics, special education services, assessment results, community engagement, instructional methods, professional development, school leadership, and finances. Only 50 private (non-public) schools are selected annually.
During the two-day program, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) staff will congratulate and engage with the thirty-seven Catholic school recipients of the National Blue Ribbon Award.
On Monday, November 7, Annette Jones, Jim Pavlacka, Lucy Shufflebarger, Thomas Pigg, Dr. Pam Bernards and Shannon Andrea will be congratulating the awardees and attending professional development sessions.
In addition, the team of Annette Jones (Assistant Director of Leadership Development, NCEA), Shannon Andrea (Director of Marketing Communication, NCEA), Duane Emery (Director of Enrollment Management, Cathedral High School, Indianapolis, IN) and Lynne Scheffler (Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School, Lockport, IL) will present “Strategies for Leveraging Your National Blue Ribbon Award” to nearly 200 attendees.
The National Blue Ribbon program describes the session as the following: “With much enthusiasm, the presenters will share their first-hand experiences of celebrating and amplifying the National Blue Ribbon Award. Please join us to learn some enjoyable “blue” activities and practical strategies for leveraging this prestigious national award. Attendees will have an opportunity to design and develop an action plan for their school community.”
On Tuesday, November 8, Dr. Tom Burnford, Annette Jones, Jim Pavlacka, Dr. Pam Bernards and Lynne Scheffler will attend the professional development sessions and celebrate the schools’ success by attending the 2016 National Blue Ribbon luncheon and ceremony.
Click here to read: THIRTY-SEVEN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SHINE AMONG THE 2016 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL AWARDEES.
Congratulations to all 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools! We are so proud of you!
For information about the 2017 National Blue Ribbon application process, please contact Annette Jones [email protected].
