FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – Riverchase Elementary School has been named a 2018 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, joining an elite community of schools across the United States that have met rigorous goals as assessed by stakeholders.

Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools commit to sharing expertise and exemplary practices with other schools on a local, regional and national level as well as providing mentoring and networking to schools seeking guidance and assistance in school improvement initiatives.

Riverchase Elementary School sought this designation during the 2017-2018 School Year.

The Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc., administers the process and assesses a school through a Blueprint for Excellence assessment process involving nine categories:

• Student Focus and Support
• School Organization and Culture
• Challenging Standards and Curriculum
• Active Teaching and Learning
• Technology Integration
• Professional Community
• Leadership and Educational Vitality
• School, Family, and Community Partnerships
• Indicators of Success

A cross-section of stakeholders—parents, community members, teachers, administrators and others—collaborated on this extensive assessment process that culminated in the highly-coveted Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award.

RES Principal Alice Turney said she was exceptionally proud of this achievement.

“It was a collaborative effort of all stakeholders,” Turney said. “The commitment to excellence at Riverchase is evident in our achievement. I am proud of our accomplishment and look forward to growing as we look for new and innovative ways meet the needs of our students.

“It would have never been possible without the hard work of our students, teachers, staff and parents. The support of our PTO and Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy made the decision easy for our school to undergo this rigorous process.”

This award will be presented during the Blue Ribbon Schools Blueprint for Excellence National Conference held in Orlando during the fall of 2018.

For more information, visit BlueRibbonSchools.com.