Representatives from the state of Ohio visited Scioto Ridge Elementary School Friday afternoon for receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s top award.
Scioto Ridge became the first elementary school of the Olentangy Local School District to be named a National Blue Ribbon School. The award is given to schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap, according to school officials.
Scioto Ridge Elementary School was recognized for its overall academic excellence.
Schools are nominated for the award by the state department of education, and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Scioto Ridge Elementary is one of seven public schools in Ohio to receive the National Blue Ribbon School title this year.
It is among just 279 public and 50 private schools receiving the honor nationwide. It is the first elementary school in the Olentangy Local School District to earn the Blue Ribbon designation and joins Olentangy High School and Liberty High School as the district’s other National Blue Ribbon award-winning schools.
“I could not be more proud of the students, staff and the entire Scioto Ridge community. This is a direct result of their hard work, support and dedication,” said Peggy McMurry, current director of curriculum for Olentangy Local Schools and former Scioto Ridge Elementary School principal. McMurry served as the school’s principal from the 2013-14 to the 2015-16 school year.
“The staff at Scioto Ridge breathes belief into their students, which inspires them to be willing to take risks, persevere, and to achieve their maximum potential.”
McMurry and Olentangy Superintendent Mark Raiff visited the school with Ohio Superintendent Paolo DeMaria, State Board of Education Member Michale Collins and State Rep. Andrew Brenner, R-Powell. The school had an assembly of the students to celebrate the presentation of the award.
The U.S. Department of Education will be presenting the award to Olentangy school officials at Washington in December.
“Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices — professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems — making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation,” U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King Jr., said when he announced the winners in September.
