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About a decade ago, Ritchie Elementary School in South Wheeling found itself in a scenario similar to other low socio-economic status elementary schools in West Virginia and elsewhere: mediocre state assessment test results that were leading students to have a lesser chance of success as they progressed through middle school and high school.
Consider: in the 2014-15 school year, Ritchie third graders were 62% proficient in math and 53% in reading. Fourth-graders were 39% proficient in math and 56% proficient in reading. Only a quarter of fifth graders that year were proficient in math and 42% in reading.
Fast-forward to the most recent state assessment results for the 2022-23 school year. Third-graders at Ritchie had proficiency rates of 79% in math and 66% in reading. Fourth-graders were 75% proficient in both subjects. For the fifth-grade class, 74% were proficient in mathematics, 60% in reading.
This turnaround has taken place under the leadership of Principal John Jorden and a dedicated and talented group of teachers, support staff and other personnel. Parental and community involvement have soared. What's been done at Ritchie is worthy of recognition and praise.
The work to improve student outcomes at the school has been noted at the state level. And now, the U.S. Department of Education has weighed in and named Ritchie Elementary as one of 353 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023.
"This is our 'wow' moment," Principal Jorden said upon learning of the designation. "This is the biggest honor a school can receive.
"We are a National Blue Ribbon School because we have excellent students, the very best staff, wonderful parents and great community support."
That's what it takes -- buy in from everyone. Our community should be proud of the work being done at Ritchie.
"The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. … We take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families."
To those who have helped stage such an incredible change at Ritchie, thank you. Your efforts to improve education outcomes for your students are worthy of praise.