Randall Elementary - A Michigan Exemplary School

On April 6, 2005, Randall Elementary School was presented with the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School award by Michigan State Board of Education President, Kathleen Straus. It was a wonderful day for the staff, students and parents of Randall School. Many state and local dignitaries were present to honor the achievements of Randall School. It was a "blue ribbon" day and one that will not be soon forgotten.

January 18, 2005
State Board of Education
Announces 32 Blue Ribbon Schools for 2004-05

LANSING –The State Board of Education has announced that Michigan Blue Ribbons are being awarded to 32 elementary schools this year, recognizing outstanding improvement strategies throughout the state.

“The Blue Ribbon program’s selection committee chose these schools as meeting some very tough criteria in delivering quality education to their students,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.  “All these schools, their teachers, students, parents, and communities should be very proud of their accomplishment.”

The Michigan Blue Ribbon program is far more rigorous and comprehensive than the National Blue Ribbon, Straus noted.  The Michigan Blue Ribbon is awarded to schools based on academic achievement, accreditation, school organization and culture, student focus and support, curriculum, quality teaching, and family and community partnerships with the school; whereas, the National Blue Ribbon is awarded on the basis of academic achievement scores alone.

 “The State Board and our Blue Ribbon committee of educators recognize and reinforce the belief that schools are more than a single test on a single day,” Straus said.   “A Michigan Blue Ribbon school must reflect and exhibit the many facets of a quality educational environment.”

In addition, the State Board of Education stipulates that awarded schools must have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as required by the federal No Child Left Behind law; have a Michigan EducationYES! School Report Card grade of A or B; and not have a Native American-based school mascot, nickname, or logo.

 To view the entire article, click on: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140--108390--,00.html