STATEHOUSE (Oct. 10, 2018) – Three Northwest Indiana schools were among the seven honored Tuesday, Oct. 2, by the Indiana Department of Education for receiving a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School Award, according to Region lawmakers.
George Bibich Elementary School in Dyer, Solon Robinson Elementary School in Crown Point and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Valparaiso all earned the Blue Ribbon designation.
According to State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville), the award honors schools for high-level performance or improved student achievement, especially among disadvantaged students.
“A school must meet many qualifications in order to be eligible for this award,” Slager said. “It takes a team of outstanding teachers and administrators, as well as driven students, to earn this distinction. These schools have put in the work and it shows.”
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) said the Blue Ribbon School Program is part of a larger national effort that aims to identify the best school leadership and teaching practices.
“This program recognizes the efforts of schools across the country, and encourages continued success,” Soliday said. “We are fortunate to have so many excellent educators in our area.”
According to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point), the Indiana Department of Education nominates high-performing schools to the U.S. Department of Education every year.
“Only seven schools in Indiana received this award, and three of them are right here in our community,” Olthoff said. “This is truly a testament to the hard work by our incredible students, teachers and administrators. They have made our community so proud.”
For more information, visit doe.in.gov.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes all of Porter County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
CAPTION: Representatives from George Bibich Elementary School in Dyer receive a National Blue Ribbon School Award from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) (second row, first from right) joined the Indiana Department of Education to recognize George Bibich Elementary School as 1 of 7 outstanding schools that are high performing or have closed student achievement gaps
CAPTION: Representatives from Solon Robinson Elementary School in Crown Point receive a National Blue Ribbon School Award from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. The Indiana Department of Education recognized seven outstanding schools that are high performing or have closed student achievement gaps.
CAPTION: Representatives from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Valparaiso receive a National Blue Ribbon School Award from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. The Indiana Department of Education recognized seven outstanding schools that are high performing or have closed student achievement gaps.
