Shared vision leads to Blue Ribbon Schools
What does it take to become a Blue Ribbon School? Through bright and beaming smiles, the principals at the two elementary schools honored Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education hardly hesitated when asked that question Tuesday.
Candice Jordon, principal at Smithfield Elementary School, said the school was on the state School Improvement list when she took over as administrator five years ago.
She said a team approach has helped address all areas that needed improvement.
“We looked at curriculum and we aligned everything with the state standards and assessment anchors, and our wonderful math teachers went out on their own and did a lot,” Jordon said. “We all had a shared vision. We can’t look at where were are, we had to look at where we wanted to be.”
She said over the past five years, the district has used data from state test scores and other sources to determine where the strengths and weaknesses lie in each student.
A parent advisory board, teacher advisory board, and school reading, math, and writing committees have all been very active in the school’s success, Jordon said.
While she took time out Tuesday to celebrate the school’s success with many of those who helped to make it happen, Jordon stressed that there’s no time to rest on their laurels.
“It’s like, ‘OK, what can we do now?’ It’s an ever endless battle,” she said.
Most important over the past few years has been the increased parental involvement, which she said has been key to the students’ success.
The team concept extends throughout the district, as teachers and principals often meet with colleagues to share ideas that work and talk about initiatives that might not have gone as well as anticipated.
She said the district tries to take advantage of the latest programs to help student achievement and works to address the needs of all students.
“We all relish the victories and learn from our defeats,” Jordon said.
Edward Fearer, mountain area principal for Uniontown Area School District, said involved parents make better students.
Students take home an “agenda” every day after school, which gives parents information about how their children are performing, lists homework assignments and provides other school related news.
“I believe this school is the best because we all work together,” he said. “Parents support what we’re doing here in the classroom.”
He said Marclay has been successful by using assessments on each student and teach at their individual grade level, and the staff has supported that effort.
“What validates us is when they move to the middle school and you can see the confidence they have,” Fearer said. “They know they can tackle the work and we built that foundation here.”
Last year, fifth grade students were 100 percent proficient in reading and math on the state standardized tests.
Pam Whyel, a Marclay volunteer whose three children went through those halls, said she’s not surprised that Marclay was honored as a Blue Ribbon School. She said the teachers often track the students long after they have left their classroom.
“The teachers know everything about these students and they work as a family to help students overcome their weaknesses,” she said.
Whyel said that the strong parent support at the school is another asset.
“The earlier parents become involved, the better chance their children have to be successful,” she said.