2-17-14 fdl's lakeshore elementary nominated for national blue ribbon award

State Superintendent Tony Evers nominated eight schools for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which recognizes overall academic excellence or progress in improving student achievement. Selection criteria for this year’s program require that schools have at least 100 students and be open for at least five years. Additionally, schools must have met annual measurable objectives for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years. The nominees are:

•   Cedarburg High School, Cedarburg School District;

•   Fennimore Elementary School, Fennimore Community School District;

•   Lakeshore Elementary School, Fond du Lac School District;

•   Ozaukee Middle School in Fredonia, Northern Ozaukee School District;

•   Prairie View Elementary School, Mukwonago School District;

•   Roosevelt Elementary School, Janesville School District;

•   Spring Valley Elementary School, Antigo Unified School District; and

•   Westside Elementary School, River Falls School District.

“Student academic success is at the center of daily activity for Blue Ribbon School nominees,” Evers said. “The teachers, school leaders, and staff members as well as the school community come together to support high levels of learning for all students.”  Dr. James Sebert, Fond du Lac School District’s Superintendent of Schools, commented, "I am extremely proud of Mrs. Lori Loehr, her excellent staff, outstanding kids and highly supportive families.  Lakeshore is an exceptional educational community due to the collective and cohesive focus on student learning.  The Lakeshore community is honored to be recognized by this nomination. It is a tribute to our dedicated staff who work tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence and to our families who support and love this school. It is also a testimonial to Lakeshore students who work hard to do their best every day,” shared Mrs. Loehr, Lakeshore Principal.  Awards will be given in two categories. “Exemplary High Performing Schools” are those that are in the top 15 percent for performance levels on the state’s reading and mathematics assessments and disaggregated results for subgroups of students show similar academic achievement. “Exemplary Gap Closing Schools” have at least 40 percent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and have school report card “Closing Gaps” index scores in the top 15 percent of the state. Additionally, disaggregated results for subgroups of students, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds, show improvement similar to that of all students.  Schools nominated to the program must complete the Blue Ribbon Schools application and undergo the national review process. Awards are typically announced in early September. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program began in 1982 and has recognized nearly 7,000 of America’s schools since that time.