Pleasant View Elementary School has been recognized as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Dept. of Education. Nationally, 342 public schools received the honor this year.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.
The application process is lengthy and limited to a small group of staff at the school level.
“When the staff heard the news there were many feelings that arose,” Principal Stacy Smith stated in an email. “There was a mix of excitement, humility and joy in the room. The acknowledgment that comes from this type of award brings about feelings of honor and pride. The Pleasant View staff feels affirmed for their hard work on behalf of youth and is extremely grateful for this national award.”
To be chosen, schools must rank in the top 15 percent of all schools on ISTEP assessments in both reading and mathematics.
“For a number of years PVE staff goals have been focused on individual students’ growth through use of formative assessments that help teachers calibrate instruction to maximize their time with students at each grade level,” Smith said. “This has been a positive adjunct to the fact that PVE parents are great first teachers for the students enrolled here. So, when you combine this home head start with students’ hard work and our teachers’ efforts, we get the sorts of results that are envied far and wide.”
The national award ceremony is Nov. 6-7 in Washington, D.C. Representatives from Zionsville Community Schools will attend to accept the award. PVE plans to celebrate the award with students and staff in the future.
