Ritchie Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School
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WHEELING -- Ritchie Elementary School has been recognized as one of the nation's top spots for learning, joining 352 other schools across the country in being named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023.
The honor is granted by the U.S. Department of Education. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on assessments.
Ritchie Elementary School Principal John Jorden, Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller and Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones watched as the Blue Ribbon Schools were named Tuesday afternoon on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Jorden then called students and staff members to the school's gym to inform them of the designation.
"This is our 'wow' moment," Jorden said. "This is the biggest honor a school can receive.
"We are a National Blue Ribbon School because we have excellent students, the very best staff, wonderful parents and great community support."
Jorden commended the students and staff members for their positive attitudes and for being respectful and motivated. He also announced that the school would have a blue-themed celebration on Thursday. Miller and Jones congratulated individual students and staff members for the school's amazing achievement.
Jorden then led students in the school cheer. "Ritchie is our name, Learning is our game."
Ritchie was one of three West Virginia schools to earn the honor, along with Jayenne Elementary in Fairmont and Sherman Elementary in Boone County.
"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 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 toward common goals.
The Department of Education 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.