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Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
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The Blueprint of Excellence
Lighthouse Corner Network of Best Practices Newsletter
Updates from Blue Ribbon
Schools of Excellence
Spotlight On... A. W. Coolidge Middle School
2012 Spring Institute
April 12-13th - Agenda & Concurrent
Session Overviews available online
http://www.blueribbonschools.com/conferences
Register Now
2 for 1 Registration: $229
2 Day Registration: $149
1-Day Pass: $100
2012 Event Calendar A.W. Coolidge Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts
is proud to be a “Spotlight School” for the New England
Schedule Your Assessment Now
League of Middle Schools (NELMS) and a national
What: Blueprint for Excellence
School Improvement Model (Online “Lighthouse School” for Blue Ribbon Schools of
Assessment & Onsite Validation) Excellence, and it is an honor to be a “site visit” location
Why: Receive an Action Plan for the 2012 Blueprint for Educational Excellence National
consisting of identified areas of Institute. Our dedicated staff members, in addition to
improvement while gaining access
to proven policies, procedures and
being effective instructors of their content area, possess an
the Blueprint for Excellence understanding of the early adolescent and are committed
Network of Educators that fosters
continuous growth year-after-year.
to helping students develop an understanding of their
changing selves. We
www.blueribbonschools.com/assessments
seek educators who
Blueprint for Excellence National enjoy the unique
challenges of the middle
Conference
level, and we strive to
What: National Conference provide appropriate
Advance Registration Event
professional development
When: December 4-8th for staff throughout the
Room Block: Disney’s various stages of one’s
Contemporary Resort December career. In short, it is a
2-10th
goal of our middle
Contact Alice@blueribbonschools.com school to be a place of
for an application and requirements
expertise in adolescence Principal: Craig Martin
for Performance Groups at the
A.W. Coolidge Middle School
National Conference.
and a resource for our 89 Birch Meadow Drive
More Information Coming Soon! Start community in the area of Reading, MA 01867
Making Plans Today!
adolescent development. 781-942-9158
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Best Practices at A. W. Coolidge Middle School - Spring Institute Site Visit School
A. W. Coolidge Middle School
A Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
Teamwork
Coolidge currently has an enrollment of
approximately 470 students in grades
6-7-8, and as a middle school, teamwork
is the integral component of our structure. School Motto: Soaring to Succeed
Our staff and students are arranged into
teams, and each of our teams is named
A Community of Learners with a Common Vision
after an astronomical constellation or a
concept in space exploration (Gemini,
Our three basic tenets of respect, responsibility, and honesty
Pegasus, Polaris, Voyager, Explorer, etc.). form the strong foundation of our school’s learning community.
The goal of our teams is to provide for
students a smaller community within the At Coolidge, the school philosophy, our
larger school and to draw upon collective district vision, and our school’s core values
strengths to help everyone continually are all living documents that truly guide us
reach new heights. from day to day—and year to year.
•Our philosophy is what we are, what we
Our school symbol, the comet, and our school motto believe, and what we strive to be each
(“Soaring to Succeed”) also represent our school’s goal to and every day. It guides us in the work
continually move forward.
we do with young adolescents and
reminds us of how we must all work
Middle school is a period of tremendous
together during this crucial
growth and change for students; and so of
developmental stage.
course, we also invite parents to be true
•Our vision, on the other hand, is where
partners with us. In so doing, staff and
we’re headed and what we want to be.
parents are working together to
It provides for us a common direction
successfully navigate this remarkable
toward which our annual School
stage of a student’s development. We
Improvement Plan goals aim, and it’s the
believe that such teamwork is key to a
compass by which we continually move
successful middle school. And through
forward.
our collaboration, we model for our
children how to work with each other, •Similarly, our core values provide for us
a common agreement of how to treat
how to embrace new challenges, and how
each other, every day throughout the
to continually set new goals for
journey.
themselves.
2! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Best Practices at A. W. Coolidge Middle School - Spring Institute Site Visit School
•Our three basic tenets of respect, Academic Support
responsibility, and honesty form the strong !
foundation of our school’s learning Coolidge Middle School also provides
community. We seek to provide a safe opportunities for students to receive
place for our students and to create a support to help them be successful with
school climate that is academically the new demands of a middle school
challenging, but also friendly and inviting. curriculum. “Homework Hangout” is a
•Our goal is a student-centered environment successful program that is staffed by
that cherishes the natural curiosity and school personnel and provides a
creativity of young adolescents, and we structured and engaging, after-school
believe that our middle school should be a environment for completing homework
community of learners for all—both students and receiving assistance if necessary.
and staff. Our “Program to Achieve Scholastic
Success” (P.A.S.S.) has also been very
Transition successful in helping students who may
be struggling academically. By working
with small groups of students, Coolidge
Supporting students and their families
staff members are able to give students
through these important years is another
the extra support they may need, and
primary goal of Coolidge, and this support
PASS has also been very successful at
begins with the student’s initial transition into
helping students raise their scores on the
middle school. Many months before the first
annual state assessments.
day of 6th grade, students and their families
are provided opportunities to come to
Coolidge and to get comfortable with the Student Activities & After-School Connections
school. Our “Family Math & Science
Night” (usually held in March) and our June Coolidge students are provided a variety
“Move-Up Day” are examples of events that of options for after-school activities -
provide a fun way to introduce students to sponsored by the school, PTO, and
the middle school. Our summer “Welcome to district.
Coolidge” program also provides a very Some examples include:
successful one-week induction, helping
•!"#$%&"'()#&*+, •!*:)),'>%?5343%/
students become accustomed to their new
•-.)/,$')0'1+00%/%&*%2' •@4AA'B4&$'
rooms, schedule, locker, and so forth. In an 3%%/',%4$%/5 •(:+8%'(:)+/
enjoyable “Middle School 101” approach, •!*+%&*%'6,783+4$ •1/484
students have fun learning the answers to all •94":';%48 •C%4/=))D
•</"'(,#= •E4/+)#5'+&"/48#/4,'
of their questions, and common anxieties are •(:%55'(,#= 53)/"5F'!
eliminated long before the first day of school •!%,%*"'(:)/#5
ever arrives.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012! 3
Student Activities & After-School Connections Best Practices at A. W. Coolidge Middle School
Continued...And thanks to our PTO, the Continued
Coolidge library/media center is open until
4:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday. Students
are also encouraged to suggest ideas for Our online “Edline” system also provides an
additional activities each year. We believe excellent means of regularly communicating
that is important to provide these and many with parents. For example, all families
other opportunities beyond the core receive
academic subjects for students to not only •" a weekly email, (aletering them to school
explore a range of skills and interests but also " announcements and online newsletter)
to connect positively with the school. We
value our students’ diverse talents by •" detailed progress reports are posted
" for every child every midterm
providing them these varied avenues for
success and by helping them balance the
schedule demands of a secondary school •" access to homework assignments that are
" posted daily for all students.
student.!
!
!
Communication Ultimately, our goal is to reach every
student. We believe that all students can
At Coolidge, we believe that good learn, and we believe in the dignity and
communication between home and school worth of each middle school student.
must continue through the middle school
years and is especially important during By working together, we hope to provide a
these crucial years of adolescent successful and seamless transition through
development. We believe that a successful the crucial developmental stages in a child’s
middle school welcomes and engages education—and to build the strong
families in the education of young foundation necessary for success in future
adolescents and endeavors to connect endeavors.
school with community. To this end, we
forge a partnership among our students,
parents, and teachers. We strive to provide Come Visit Coolidge Middle School
during the Spring Institute’s Site Visit Tours on
parents a constant link to both the school Thursday, April 12th!
and their child’s progress through such REGISTER TODAY!
ways as
•" parent meetings,
•" daytime open houses,
•" weekly newsletters,
•" midterm progress reports, etc.
4! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Spring Institute Agenda & Keynote Speakers
BLUEPRINT FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
SPRING Institute ’12
Daily Overview
David Walsh, Ph.D. has
emerged as one of the most Thursday, April 12th:!!!
sought after speakers in American
education. He is the president and • Site visits to nationally recognized elementary,! middle,
founder of the National Institute and high school including Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools
featuring !technology applications and successful
on Media and the Family in
educational initiatives.!
Minneapolis.
• Keynote address--Warren Phillips
He spent over ten years in the classroom, is an award-winning
• Choice of exciting workshops that welcomes sharing
psychologist, the author of eight books, a television and collaboration.
personality, and the parent of three. His numerous articles
have appeared in both professional and general publications. Friday, April 13th:!!
He is a frequent guest on national media and is the author of
the best selling book, Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival • Keynote address--Dr. David Walsh
Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen. (Free
• Over 75 workshop sessions by K-12 teachers and
Press, 2004). administrators sharing best practices in the area of
technology, literacy, curriculum, instructional practices,
Warren Phillips is a recently wellness!and social emotional needs.
retired seventh grade science/ARL
teacher in Plymouth, where he Other Learning Opportunities:
taught for 35 years. He has a B.A.
• Model 21st century classroom set up featuring! the latest
in Earth Sciences, an M.A.T. in
technology (Bring Your Own Device Model)
Teaching Physical Sciences and an
M. ED. in Instructional Technology • Informal conversations and sharing of best practices with
from Bridgewater State College in educators from all over the country
Bridgewater, Mass.
• 15 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
Warren was recently inducted into the Massachusetts Science
Educators Hall Of Fame. He is a contributing author in a new
uplifting book about teaching called Today, I Made A Visit www.blueribbonschools.com/conferences
for the latest information regarding the Spring Institute
Difference. He's co-authored a brain-based book called Science
Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites. He has also produced 3 Register Now
CD's of Science Songs entitled Sing-A-Long Science ,Sing-A-Long 2 for 1 Registration: $229
2 Day Registration: $149
Science--The Sequel, and Sing-A-Long Science--The Second 1-Day Pass: $100
Sequel.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012! 5
2012 Blueprint for Excellence National Spring Institute At A Glance
All events will be held at Reading Memorial High School unless otherwise noted.
*If you did not select a site visit school during registration, please send selected school to info@blueribbonschools.com.
Description of each school is available on the following pages and online at www.blueribbonschools.com/conferences
!
Day 1 Thursday, April 12, 2012
7:00 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Registration and Continental Breakfast (Cafeteria)
8:00 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Opening Session (Performing Arts Center)
Welcoming Remarks
8:45 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! School Site Visits*
J. W. Killam Elementary School
Birch Meadow Elementary School
Wood End Elementary School
A. W. Coolidge Middle School
Reading Memorial High School
Burlington High School
11:15 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buses Return to Reading Memorial High School
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.!!!!! Lunch (Field House)
12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m. Afternoon Opening Session (Performing Arts Center)
Keynote Speaker – Warren Phillips
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
1:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. SMART Board Training
Day 2 Friday, April 13, 2012
7:00 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! Continental Breakfast (Cafeteria)
8:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.!!!!!!!# Keynote Session – Dr. David Walsh# (Performing Arts Center)#
9:45-10:00 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Break
10:00-11:00 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Workshop Session A
11:00-11:15 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!! !! Break
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. ! !! Workshop Session B
12:15-1:30 p.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lunch (Field House)
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.!!!!!!! ! Workshop Session C
2:30-3:00 p.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Closing Session and Raffle (Performing Arts Center)
Concurrent Sessions are aligned to the Blueprint for Excellence Nine Critical Performance Areas
Concurrent Session Overviews are available online at www.blueribbonschools.com/conferences
6! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Reading & Burlington Public School Districts Spring Institute - Site Visits
April 12-13th - Two-Day Professional Arrive at Reading Memorial High School to
check-In and receive your Institute materials.
Development Institute
Host School Site: Reading Memorial High School Continental Breakfast will be served!
Select for More Information or Register Today!
During the online registration process, select one of the Reading Memorial High School
following schools to tour on Thursday: prepares students to develop essential skills and
School 1: Killam Elementary School abilities for the 21st century. With an enrollment of
1260 students in grades 9-12, a faculty of over 100
School 2: Birch Meadow Elementary School
professionals, and state of the art facilities and
School 3: Wood End Elementary School technological resources, students enjoy learning in
School 4: Coolidge Middle School student centered environments, featuring such
School 5: Burlington High School initiatives as project based learning, online learning
School 6: Reading Memorial High School opportunities, senior projects, a Bring Your Own
Device pilot, and much more. Student learning is
advanced in inclusive classroom environments
through co-teaching, differentiated course content,
and personalized support structures including
Freshman Advisory, Upper Connections, and a
Math Resource Center. Beyond the classroom, rich
co-curricular options abound, including prolific
performance groups, sports teams, and dedicated
community servants, enabling all students to pursue
talents and passions. RMHS is proud to showcase a
rich learning community.
J.W. Killam Elementary School
If you would like to see a "bucket-filling" school
and meet lots of T.R.R.F.C.C. students and staff
members, then J.W. Killam Elementary is the
place for you! Our 60 member faculty and staff
make our home-like decorated school a place
where learning is fun for our 450 students each
and every day.
Our newly developed mission is that our school Upon entering our school, members of our student
is a T.R.R.F.C.C. (trustworthy, respectful, service squad will greet and lead you to our dining
responsible, fair, caring, and good citizens) hall, which was recently named by our students, The
place where everyone belongs, where everyone Kids’ Café, for a quick viewing of our Daily News
achieves at their personal best and where show, Killam News Live! (a student centered webcam
everyone’s accomplishments are celebrated! broadcast) CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012! 7
Reading & Burlington Public School Districts Spring Institute - Site Visits
KILLAM CONTINUED- Best Through the use of our bucket-filling
After a brief welcome and introduction from philosophy, which is based on the books How
some of our staff members and parent Full is Your Bucket and Have You Filled a
organization chairs, you will tour our school Bucket Today? our students will model their
to see 21st Century teaching and learning in bucket-filling behaviors such as
action! trustworthiness, respectfulness, responsibility,
fairness and caring citizens (T.R.R.F.C.C.).
We are fortunate to have exceptional grade-
level teams of highly-qualified educators who
We are especially proud of our Curriculum
use research-based educational practices to
and Instruction and Weekly Grade Level Data
support our students as they learn to
Meetings. Although our Differentiated
demonstrate their knowledge in alignment
Learning Team will be in the classrooms team
with their learning style and preferred
teaching, you will have a chance to meet with
multiple intelligences. If you’re lucky, you
principal Cathy Giles to hear about these
may even see a group of students doing a
incredible professional learning communities
variety of brain-based exercises to help
and how the staff collects, analyzes, and uses
stimulate their learning.
this Tiered Instruction Model (TIM) data to
Current standards-based curriculum and drive all future instruction. We are proud of
instructional practices such as, Everyday our Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School and we
Mathematics, Fundations phonics, the Daily welcome you to come and visit. Cameras and
Five/CAFÉ model, Tiered Instruction Model Questions are welcome, of course!
(TIM), guided reading, Multiple Intelligence
Theory and Open Circle are integrated as a
key components of curriculum.
Birch Meadow Elementary School
The Birch Meadow Elementary School motto,
“Learn, Achieve, Believe TOGETHER” voted on by
the students, staff and parents, sets the stage for a
great learning environment. As a 2011 Blue
Ribbon Lighthouse Award winner, Birch Meadow
features SMARTboards in every classroom,
computers on wheels, staff wikis and blogs, digital !
photo story displays, a computer lab with
student and professional art work displays, wireless access points, assistive technology, language-based
classrooms and hands-on learning opportunities. The daily instructional program at Birch Meadow
includes a Tiered Instructional Model for our 1st and 2nd grade students, guided reading instruction in
grades K – 5, 21st century learning experiences, Fundations Reading, Everyday Mathematics and block
scheduling.
Practices
Read On for More Site Visit Information
8! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Reading & Burlington Public School Districts Spring Institute - Site Visits
Wood End Elementary School
At Wood End Elementary School we are very
pleased to have this opportunity to share with you
our ideas, beliefs, and experiences of working
and learning together as a school family and as a
community. Since our school first opened its
doors in 2005, combining sections of two
separate school districts together, we have
worked hard to become one school with a Most importantly, our staff knows the value and
common core of values and a mission that allows power of sharing and working together.
students and staff to perform at their highest level. Classrooms are not only connected physically, but
Using the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence the doors are open welcoming and encouraging
Assessment Tool as a guide and with involvement all staff to visit, observe what is going on and
by students, staff, the parent community, and the offer a helping hand.
district as a whole, we were able meet specific
goals and continue to focus on standards that The students, faculty, and parents look forward to
both unite us and challenge us to be the best we your visit at our school on Thursday, April 12th.
can each and every day. Please feel free to contact me at
------ The following is our promise to one another and is recited as a Richard.Davidson@reading.k12.ma.us if would
school each Monday and daily by students in their classrooms. It is like more information or have further questions.
posted in all the classrooms as well as all around the school. Our
promise provides a common language and is our guiding principle and
expectation for ALL who learn and work here.
The Wood End Way
At Wood End School, we can make a difference by…
Being respectful of people and their belongings
Looking out for others
Making choices that are helpful, polite, kind, and safe
Cooperating with others
Reporting bullying to adults
We stand by the Wood End Way.
TOGETHER WE WILL make a difference here and everywhere!
See More Information regarding Coolidge Middle
School within the Spotlight On...feature within this
newsletter!
Coolidge Middle School is
characterized by a shared mission and vision, an organizational structure of collaborative teams,
a continuous striving to improve, and annual self-assessment to examine results.! The school
focuses on integrating technology and 21st century skills across the curriculum, effectively
addressing the behavioral health needs of young adolescents, and adopting best practices for
meeting students’ diverse learning styles—while at the same time providing a successful
inclusionary experience for a variety of special needs. Teamwork is the cornerstone of
Coolidge’s culture, and facilitating strong communication among all the school’s stakeholders is
also a constant goal of the school.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012! 9
Reading & Burlington Public School District Spring Institute - Site Visits
Burlington High School prepares
students for lifelong learning and responsible
citizenship by offering a challenging, relevant
curriculum and varied activities in
a safe environment. With an enrollment of
1,008 students in grades 9-12, a faculty of over
80 professionals, students and staff enjoy
access to modern tools that help increase
classroom engagement. This past fall,
Burlington High was the first high school in state
of Massachusetts, and one of the first
nationally, to become a 1:1 iPad school. The
school has hosted over 30 schools throughout
New England this year as they have shared
their blueprint for deploying mobile devices to all students and staff, which includes a student-led
technology team that supports both staff and students. BHS was also recognized on the College Board’s
AP Honor Roll this year for increasing student access to Advanced Placement courses and continuing to
see high scores. Burlington High offers all students opportunities with its stellar performing and visual arts
programs and a plethora of extra curricular offerings that allow all students to be involved in programs
which they are truly passionate about. BHS is proud of its wonderful staff and students which makes all of
our programs flourish.
Come Join the
Blueprint for Excellence Network
Collaborative Environment
Site Tours & Concurrent Sessions
aligned to the
Blueprint for Excellence Strands
10! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Model
The Spring Institute Sessions correlate to the
Nine Critical Performance Areas
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT
The Blueprint for Excellence is designed to The Blueprint for Excellence is designed to
be a positive school improvement process be a positive school improvement process
that covers nine major categories of critical that covers nine major categories of critical
performance elements found in excellent performance elements found in excellent
schools. This process allows a school’s own schools. This process allows a school’s own
stakeholders to assess the school’s stakeholders to assess the school’s
performance and design program performance and design program
improvement initiatives focused on the results improvement initiatives focused on the results
of the assessment. of the assessment.
Read On for a Description of the Select to view the 2012 Spring Institute
Nine Critical Performance Areas Concurrent Sessions
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012! 11
Student Focus and Support Active Teaching and Learning Leadership and Educational Vitality
Goals and objectives flow from the There is clear and compelling Dynamic leadership engages the
school’s vision and student needs, evidence that there is purposeful school and community in continuous
and reflect high aspirations for all decision-making governing all aspects school improvement focused on
students. The school strives for and of the teaching and learning program. student learning and based on vision,
achieves excellence and equity. A There is a discernible link between data, knowledge of research, effective
cohesive and integrated network of instructional strategies and student practice, and continuous monitoring
programs, cocurricular activities, and achievement. Teaching practices and and assessment that has resulted in
services has been implemented to learning experiences reflect current high levels of student achievement
support the full spectrum of students research on cognition, teaching, and and implementation of comprehensive
in achievement of the goals and learning. An abundance of plans to meet current and future
objectives of the school. The staff has technology, print, and media challenges.
aligned curriculum and put in place resources is available to all students
strategies to ensure successful and staff to ensure that educational School, Family, and Community
transitions of students entering the goals and student needs are met. Partnerships
school and transitioning to other
schools. Examples of and Technology Integration A pattern of actions taken by the school
participation rates in programs and demonstrates commitment to and
services provide evidence that the School utilizes technology in an recognition of the important role that
school is committed to doing effective, efficient manner by families, partnerships, and community
whatever it takes to ensure student incorporating the National Education play in supporting learning. The school
success. Technology Standards for all has implemented strategies (e.g.,
students: Basic Operations and services that meet the needs of
School Organization and Culture Concepts; Social, Ethical, and Human families, parent conferences, meeting
Issues; Technology Productivity Tools; schedules that facilitate parent
The school culture exemplifies a Technology Communication Tools; participation, and methods for
caring community of learners that Technology Research Tools; and promoting two-way communication that
supports continuous learning and Technology Problem-Solving and are effective in involving parents from
improvement flowing from student- Decision-Making Tools. all segments of the community in
focused goals. Examples document supporting their children’s education.
that members are engaged in Professional Community Examples illustrate how the school has
collective inquiry, reflection, and successfully engaged the educational
responsible decision-making about The school recognizes the vital role resources of the community, families,
learning. Hiring and assignment of continuous professional development and other partners to support
staff, opportunities for students to plays in achieving the school’s educational goals and provided
build sustained and caring mission. The school has developed a reciprocal benefits.
relationships with adults, a healthy culture that encourages teachers,
peer climate among students, and the administrators, and school staff to Indicators of Success
existence of a safe positive work together as members of a
environment demonstrate that this professional community, supporting Based on multiple indicators, students
school is focused on the welfare and each other in the improvement of have consistently achieved high
continuous achievement of all student learning. Professional growth academic standards. On norm-
students and staff. and development, both inside and referenced tests, the students score at
outside the school walls, is least one standard deviation above the
Challenging Standards and continuous and thoughtfully planned, mean. Or, the school has provided
Curriculum based on analysis of data on student evidence of significant improvement in
and faculty needs, and is integral to student achievement over time (at least
The curriculum is rationally designed to implementing new school initiatives one standard deviation above the mean
ensure high levels of achievement of and/or changes in curriculum. Formal on norm-referenced tests). Criterion
the school’s goals and objectives by all and informal support is provided to reference tests and other achievement
students. These goals and objectives beginning and experienced teachers. measures support that high levels of
include learning of significant content Staff members are given opportunities learning are achieved. Illustrations
by all students, and citizenship, for leadership and recognition. Finally, show how assessment data have been
interpersonal, and workplace skills. teachers, administrators, and support used to improve practice and to
The curriculum is based on knowledge staff are provided with the time and promote student learning. Factors that
of effective practice, and the nature of opportunity to reflect on what is can have a negative effect on school
the student body; programs, and working and to change what is no climate (e.g., high absenteeism, serious
curricula are consistently implemented, longer effective. discipline problems) have been
and are regularly monitored, evaluated, minimized. Significant data are shared
and improved. Students are meeting with the community, parents, and
rigorous standards for promotion and/or students concerning the outcomes of
graduation. the school’s programs and offerings.
12! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
2011 Award Recipients
2011 Blueprint for Excellence National Conference
Lighthouse Awards Banquet
Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Award Winners
1. Greeneville Middle School - Greeneville, TN - Renewal Originally Named in 2004
2. Prince of Peace Catholic School - Hoover, AL
3. Park School Campus - Round Lake, IL
4. Central Elementary School - East Brunswick, NJ
5. Buckhorn High School - New Market, AL
6. F. E. Burleson Elementary School - Hartselle, AL
7. Birch Meadow Elementary School - Reading, MA
8. Penn-Bernville Elementary School - Bernville, PA
9. Tusculum View Elementary School - Greeneville, TN - Renewal Originally Named in 2005
10. Camden Elementary School - Camden, SC
11. Marine Academy of Science & Technology - Highlands, NJ - Renewal Originally Named in 2005
Blue Ribbon Beacon School Award Winner
1. Springfield Middle School - Springfield, TN
Points of Light School Award Winners
1. Celebration K-8 School - Kissimmee, FL
2. Sparkman Middle School - Toney, AL
Aspiring School Award Winners
1. J. C. Solomonese Elementary School - Norton, MA
2. Katherine B. White Elementary and Middle School- Detroit, MI
3. Hemingway Elementary School - Hemingway, SC
4. Jewish Day School - Allentown, PA
Congratulations to each school for their efforts and participation in the
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Model.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012" 13
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Model
The Blueprint for Excellence can help your school determine how well
it is doing in nine areas of critical performance that research says
leads to educational excellence.
This comprehensive school assessment can guide the creation of a
school-wide action plan that includes measurable student achievement
and, potentially, can result in the honor of receiving the Blue Ribbon
Lighthouse School Award, which celebrates schools that excel in all
nine performance areas.
The Blueprint for Excellence is the brainchild of Blue Ribbon Schools of
Excellence, Inc., an organization of seasoned education professionals
with many years of experience in identifying schools of excellence for
federal agencies at the national level. These individuals have
dedicated their lives to immersing themselves in the finest quality
research on school excellence.
Their understanding of the components that accumulate to form a
first-class, high performing school has led them to create a
challenging, online self evaluation tool that schools can use to
compare their practices to the very best — to identify their strengths
and weaknesses.
What’s Happening at Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
How is your school really doing?
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Process
How to become a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Professional Development Course Offerings
Upcoming Events
April 12-13, 2012 - Blueprint for Excellence Spring Institute, Reading, Massachusetts - Registration is Live
August 1-3, 2012 - Blueprint for Excellence Student Leadership Institute - Summer 2012 - Registration is Live
December 4-8, 2012 - Blueprint for Excellence Conference, Walt Disney World, Florida - Registration is Live
Stay Connected to the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Network
14! Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 21 | March 2012
