Elementary is Ware’s first for distinction
Ruskin Elementary recently earned the distinction of being the first school in the Ware County District to be recognized with the highest award by Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE), Inc.
Ruskin went through the organization’s national validation assessment process and has met the required criteria to earn the prestigious 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award, the highest award given by the organization.
The National Blue Ribbon Program is a separate organization recognizing schools in the top 15 percent in their respective states.
Principal Donna Solomon and the school will be honored at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference Thursday, December 5 in Orlando, Fla. The designation spans five years after which Ruskin will be eligible for renewal.
The rigorous BRSE process evaluates selected schools across the following key performance areas of high-performing schools to achieve the award: Student Focus and Support, School Organization and Culture, Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, Professional Community, Leadership and Educational Vitality, and School-Family—Community Partnerships and Indica-tors of Success.
“Hats off to the students, faculty, staff and parents of Ruskin Elementary for the hard work and commitment they invested in order to earn the designation of a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School,” said Ware County Schools Superintendent Bert Smith. “Earning the status of a Lighthouse School is no easy feat. The Ware County School District is incredibly proud of this accomplishment and everything that went into making this lofty goal a reality.
“Some schools work for a couple of years or more to gain this level of recognition, while others never achieve it. Ruskin accomplished this task in a matter of months simply because they didn’t have to change much in order to achieve the recognition. They were already doing the work.”
The comprehensive review by BRSE assessors included surveys and interviews of stakeholders, students, parents, teachers, and members of the administration, and a twoday intensive school assessment in which every classroom was visited by the assessors.
“Ruskin Elementary is a very special school and it is an honor to celebrate this success with them,” Smith said.
School Principal Donna Solomon was eleated with the news.
“To receive this prestigious recognition brings an even stronger sense of pride to the whole Ruskin Elementary Jaguar community,” she said. “We’ve received this recognition because of the tremendous work manifested by our students, faculty, staff, and families. We’ve always known what a special place this is, and it is validating that Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. bestowed us its highest honor.
“Through this process, it’s evident Ruskin is fulfilling the many learning needs of all students by fostering a collaborative, innovative, and supportive learning environment.”
Dr. Judy Warden Fields, CEO of BRSE also applauded Ruskin for working so diligently to fulfill the many learning needs of all students. The faculty and staff join a dynamic environment of educators across the nation to collaborate, network, and share expertise and exemplary practices with other schools on a local, regional, and national level that enables all students to achieve through measurable academic achievement who seek guidance and assistance in school improvement initiatives.
