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A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Blue Ribbon Schools Program
Blue Ribbon

Blue Ribbon Schools Program Website
 

St. Charles Borromeo School was selected as a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education during the 2000-2001 school year. The Blue Ribbon, the most prestigious education award in the country, distinguishes St. Charles for its excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement, and community support.

Former Principal Virginia Suttner said the award represents a great honor for the students, teachers, staff members, and parents of St. Charles. "It's a powerful validation of the hard work and commitment that have led to our focus on quality and continuing improvement," she said, adding that "this is not the end of a journey but just a step along the way. Receiving a Blue Ribbon acknowledges that we have met high standards but there is so much more we want to do for our children. The Blue Ribbon award inspires us to strive for even greater achievements."

Schools selected for recognition prepared an extensive written nomination package representing a thorough self-evaluation. The process (in itself a challenging experience) involved assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the school and developing improvement plans for the future. When evaluating nominations, the Department of Education looks for overall school quality, including challenging standards and curriculum, excellent teaching, ongoing professional development by teachers and staff members, a safe and supportive school environment, family and community partnerships that contribute to school quality, and high or improving student performance on measures of achievement.

The Department of Education recognized St. Charles School for its commitment to its mission which focuses on meeting the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs of each child and working in partnership with parents to challenge each child to fully use his/her God-given talents and abilities while pursuing academic excellence and discovering, embracing, and living the Gospel message of Christ.

St. Charles was one of five Indiana schools selected this year. Nation-wide 41 private and 223 public schools received the Blue Ribbon Award from a pool of 453 nominees. Established 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program celebrates elementary and secondary schools in alternate years and has evolved to place a strong emphasis on school improvement. To date, more than 3,500 public and private schools have been recognized.

Representatives from the school attended a national ceremony in Washington, D.C. where they were congratulated by education officials and received a Blue Ribbon flag and commemorative plaque.