Geist Elementary School becomes National Blue Ribbon School

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The Blue Ribbon Committee Application team for Geist Elementary School. From left, Christi Thomas, Krista Beck. Jeanine Scott, Deb Kappus, Tara Harris, John Reynolds and Lori Cushman. Not pictured, Rhonda Taylor. (Submitted photo)
The Blue Ribbon Committee Application team for Geist Elementary School. From left, Christi Thomas, Krista Beck. Jeanine Scott, Deb Kappus, Tara Harris, John Reynolds and Lori Cushman. Not pictured, Rhonda Taylor. (Submitted photo)

By Renee Larr

 

Education has always been a top priority in Fishers, and recently, Geist Elementary School was recognized for its outstanding achievements in academics.

It was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Dept. of Education. This year, 279 public schools and 50 private schools received the honor.

“It’s really a validation of all of the hard work and philosophy of the district. It really shows collaboration of teachers and the efforts of students,” said Bev Redmond, director of school and community relations. “When those come together, we really shine. It’s great to be honored at the national level.”

Educators from the school will travel to Washington, D.C., Nov. 7 and 8 to receive the award and be recognized on a national stage.

“It’s a two-day conference with an awards ceremony. It will be an exciting time to be with other schools and learn what they’re doing,” GES Principal Christi Thomas said. “As a principal, I’m so proud of their work. They’ve earned this. They work very hard.”

To be chosen, schools must rank in the top 15 percent of all schools on ISTEP assessments in both reading and mathematics.

“We have done a lot with the balanced math model. We have incorporated it into our math curriculum to ensure all kids’ needs are being met,” GES teacher Jeanine Scott said. “We’ve based a lot of our literacy on the reading and writing workshop model, and that also includes meeting kids at their needs and finding what they need to be successful.”

The honor not only extends to the teachers but parents of children at GES, as well.

“I see both sides of it as a parent and a staff member here,” Tara Harris, GES special education teacher, said. “As a parent, it is an honor that my kids get to go to this award-winning, blue-ribbon school. As a teacher, seeing the hard work and dedication that my fellow staff members put in, and the love and desire they have to help these kids, is amazing. It’s truly a complete and total honor.”

For more, visit hse.k12.in.us.


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