Charleroi Elementary named Blue Ribbon School
Charleroi Area Elementary Center was among 13 schools in Pennsylvania that were selected as winners of the new Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools program.
The new program was launched after the U.S. Department of Education last month ended the prestigious 40-year-old federal Blue Ribbon Schools program.
“While Washington may have stepped back from the Blue Ribbon program, the Shapiro Administration is stepping forward to shine a light on schools that are showing real progress in closing the achievement gap,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “These schools prove that with commitment, creativity, and care, we can ensure that every student has the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. That’s something worth celebrating, and Pennsylvania is proud to lead the way.”
Pennsylvania’s Blue Ribbon program recognizes schools for overall academic performance and/or progress made to close achievement gaps among students.
Charleroi Area Elementary Center had gone through a lengthy application process for the national award, before the federal government ended the program.
The school was recognized for closing the achievement gaps in student performance among underperforming groups.
“We’re thrilled. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire staff and our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich. “We are grateful to our teachers, principals, bus drivers, support personnel, cafeteria workers, custodians, and parent-teacher organizations – each of whom plays an essential role in our students’ success. Most importantly, we celebrate our students, whose hard work, curiosity, and resilience continue to inspire us every day.”
Zelich said Charleroi faces some unique challenges – more than 1 in 10 students at the elementary school are English language learners, a result of the significant immigrant population in the borough.
Charleroi has worked to provide several pathways for students to meet district standards and student goals, and to provide a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity and supports students’ growth.
The elementary school has implemented a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program called ROARS – Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility, and Safety – that has resulted in better student attendance and fewer discipline issues.
The school also uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports that provides timely academic and behavioral interventions for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The school district has planned a celebration for the school community for Friday that will include a parade starting at the elementary school at 9:30 a.m., followed by a presentation in the auditorium and activities for the students at the elementary center.
The event will also include representatives from the Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools team.
In September, the school’s achievement was recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools.
Dr. Edward Albert, executive director of PARSS, has visited Charleroi on several occasions and said the district “embraces everything that education should be.”
“There is a genuine concern about students, colleagues, fellow workers, and the community. The staff is extremely dedicated. There is great leadership at the top, and when I visit there, it feels like going home,” said Albert. “There’s a warm feeling, a lot of care, it’s like being home. They’ve earned that recognition and I’m happy they’ve gotten the designation.”
The PDE will recognize Charleroi and the other winning schools at a conference on Dec. 9 in Hershey.