Saint Wendel Catholic School Named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School!!
Email to Parents on Monday, September 23, 2024
Good Afternoon Saint Wendel Catholic School Parents,
It is with much excitement that I share with you that Saint Wendel Catholic School has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School as an Exemplary High Performing School!
You might be wondering what a Blue Ribbon School is and why it is so important. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. There are only fifty non-public schools awarded nationally each year. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Since its inception in 1982, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.
When I joined Saint Wendel over twelve years ago, I was inspired to learn more about the school’s accolades, knowing it was truly exceptional. At that time, Saint Wendel had already achieved Four Star School status and an “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education—top honors reflecting our consistent high performance on state assessments. After some research, I realized we were very close to meeting all the criteria for even greater recognition. We began taking steps to enhance our programs and services, striving to make Saint Wendel the best it could be.
Last year, we submitted a comprehensive application that included our formative assessments, and now, the moment has arrived for us to celebrate not only this year’s achievements but the years of hard work that led us here. This award is a true team victory, many years in the making, and it deserves a grand celebration.
This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless dedication of so many. First and foremost, our amazing teachers and staff that work tirelessly each day to help our students reach their full potential while nurturing and valuing them. Next, our supportive parents, who partner with us to make Saint Wendel extraordinary. I also want to acknowledge our pastor, Father Ed Schnur, whose unmatched leadership in Catholic education has been invaluable. Lastly, our students, who demonstrate a genuine care for their learning and for one another, have played a crucial role in our success.
Together, we have built an incredible community at Saint Wendel, and it is now being recognized. Let’s celebrate this achievement with the enthusiasm it deserves!
To see the announcement and learn more about this very prestigious award, check out the following links:
https://ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools
https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov
Some Blue Ribbon Facts:
In the 40 years of the program, only three other schools in our diocese have ever received it! Evansville’s Reitz Memorial High School earned the honor in 2002, and the DOE recognized Holy Family School in Jasper in 2013 and St. John the Baptist in Newburgh in 2023.
Saint Wendel is the 1st non-public school and the 3rd school (public or non-public) in Posey County to ever get this award in the past 40 years. Saint Wendel is the first in Posey to be acknowledged as an Exemplary High Performing School.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors the National Blue Ribbon Schools at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
We will be celebrating each day this week so watch additional emails and social media posts for more details.
Everyone is invited to attend Mass on Thursday at 7:30am where we will formally recognize and celebrate our award of Blue Ribbon.
Thank you,
Mrs Hallie Scheu, Principal
*********************************************************************************
U.S. Department of Education Press Release Announcement 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon
Schools are available at https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
Good Afternoon Saint Wendel Catholic School Parents,
It is with much excitement that I share with you that Saint Wendel Catholic School has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School as an Exemplary High Performing School!
You might be wondering what a Blue Ribbon School is and why it is so important. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. There are only fifty non-public schools awarded nationally each year. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Since its inception in 1982, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.
When I joined Saint Wendel over twelve years ago, I was inspired to learn more about the school’s accolades, knowing it was truly exceptional. At that time, Saint Wendel had already achieved Four Star School status and an “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education—top honors reflecting our consistent high performance on state assessments. After some research, I realized we were very close to meeting all the criteria for even greater recognition. We began taking steps to enhance our programs and services, striving to make Saint Wendel the best it could be.
Last year, we submitted a comprehensive application that included our formative assessments, and now, the moment has arrived for us to celebrate not only this year’s achievements but the years of hard work that led us here. This award is a true team victory, many years in the making, and it deserves a grand celebration.
This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless dedication of so many. First and foremost, our amazing teachers and staff that work tirelessly each day to help our students reach their full potential while nurturing and valuing them. Next, our supportive parents, who partner with us to make Saint Wendel extraordinary. I also want to acknowledge our pastor, Father Ed Schnur, whose unmatched leadership in Catholic education has been invaluable. Lastly, our students, who demonstrate a genuine care for their learning and for one another, have played a crucial role in our success.
Together, we have built an incredible community at Saint Wendel, and it is now being recognized. Let’s celebrate this achievement with the enthusiasm it deserves!
To see the announcement and learn more about this very prestigious award, check out the following links:
https://ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools
https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov
Some Blue Ribbon Facts:
In the 40 years of the program, only three other schools in our diocese have ever received it! Evansville’s Reitz Memorial High School earned the honor in 2002, and the DOE recognized Holy Family School in Jasper in 2013 and St. John the Baptist in Newburgh in 2023.
Saint Wendel is the 1st non-public school and the 3rd school (public or non-public) in Posey County to ever get this award in the past 40 years. Saint Wendel is the first in Posey to be acknowledged as an Exemplary High Performing School.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors the National Blue Ribbon Schools at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
We will be celebrating each day this week so watch additional emails and social media posts for more details.
Everyone is invited to attend Mass on Thursday at 7:30am where we will formally recognize and celebrate our award of Blue Ribbon.
Thank you,
Mrs Hallie Scheu, Principal
*********************************************************************************
U.S. Department of Education Press Release Announcement 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon
Schools are available at https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
Celebration Speech After Mass- September 2024
Today, we gather as a school community to celebrate a remarkable achievement: Saint Wendel has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for Exemplary High Achievement by the U.S. Department of Education. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude.
As many of you may know, this prestigious recognition was announced on Monday. To put this achievement into perspective, there are approximately 115,171 public and private schools in the United States. Out of the 115,171, 19,329 are private or non-public schools. Out of these, only 356 schools received the Blue Ribbon Award this year—an incredible 0.3%. Among them, 316 are public schools and just 40 are private or non-public schools. Today, we proudly stand among the top 40 private schools in the nation.
Saint Wendel has long been known for its excellence, as evidenced by our impressive ILEARN and IREAD scores. Just yesterday, I had the honor of traveling to Indianapolis to accept an award for achieving a 100% pass rate on the IREAD test from Governor Holcomb and State Superintendent Dr. Jenner. While we are recognized as a 4-Star and A-rated school by the state, the Blue Ribbon Award reflects our standing on a national level.
To apply for this award, we submitted comprehensive ILEARN and IREADY scores for every grade and subject. At Saint Wendel, we emphasize the importance of doing our best on every test, and our hard work paid off, advancing us to the next phase of the application process. Over the months of November and December, we meticulously compiled a 60-page application to showcase our accomplishments.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of many individuals.
First, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Father Ed Schnur. His unwavering support for our staff and community has been instrumental. Father Ed constantly encourages each of us to strive for excellence, ensuring that our students receive the best education in a nurturing environment. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as our cheerleader and shepherd.
Next, let’s recognize our parents. If you are a parent of a student at Saint Wendel, please stand. Thank you for your invaluable contributions—from helping with homework to prioritizing education and academic success. Your partnership in this journey is deeply appreciated, and we are grateful that you chose Saint Wendel for your child’s education.
Now, let’s acknowledge our students. Please stand. Your grit and determination set you apart. Even on days when the work feels challenging, you push through. You don’t just answer questions; you engage deeply with your studies, striving for excellence in the classroom, in athletics, and throughout our community.
Lastly, a round of applause for our outstanding faculty and staff. Please stand and remain standing. I can confidently say they are truly the best of the best. Their dedication to our students and school community is unwavering. They create rigorous lessons and continually seek innovative ways to engage and inspire our students. This award is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
In November, I will travel to Washington, D.C., to represent Saint Wendel at the National Blue Ribbon Ceremony, and I couldn’t be prouder to do so.
Thank you once again to everyone for your hard work and dedication. It truly is a great day to be a Saint Wendel Eagle!
Have a wonderful day!
Today, we gather as a school community to celebrate a remarkable achievement: Saint Wendel has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for Exemplary High Achievement by the U.S. Department of Education. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude.
As many of you may know, this prestigious recognition was announced on Monday. To put this achievement into perspective, there are approximately 115,171 public and private schools in the United States. Out of the 115,171, 19,329 are private or non-public schools. Out of these, only 356 schools received the Blue Ribbon Award this year—an incredible 0.3%. Among them, 316 are public schools and just 40 are private or non-public schools. Today, we proudly stand among the top 40 private schools in the nation.
Saint Wendel has long been known for its excellence, as evidenced by our impressive ILEARN and IREAD scores. Just yesterday, I had the honor of traveling to Indianapolis to accept an award for achieving a 100% pass rate on the IREAD test from Governor Holcomb and State Superintendent Dr. Jenner. While we are recognized as a 4-Star and A-rated school by the state, the Blue Ribbon Award reflects our standing on a national level.
To apply for this award, we submitted comprehensive ILEARN and IREADY scores for every grade and subject. At Saint Wendel, we emphasize the importance of doing our best on every test, and our hard work paid off, advancing us to the next phase of the application process. Over the months of November and December, we meticulously compiled a 60-page application to showcase our accomplishments.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of many individuals.
First, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Father Ed Schnur. His unwavering support for our staff and community has been instrumental. Father Ed constantly encourages each of us to strive for excellence, ensuring that our students receive the best education in a nurturing environment. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as our cheerleader and shepherd.
Next, let’s recognize our parents. If you are a parent of a student at Saint Wendel, please stand. Thank you for your invaluable contributions—from helping with homework to prioritizing education and academic success. Your partnership in this journey is deeply appreciated, and we are grateful that you chose Saint Wendel for your child’s education.
Now, let’s acknowledge our students. Please stand. Your grit and determination set you apart. Even on days when the work feels challenging, you push through. You don’t just answer questions; you engage deeply with your studies, striving for excellence in the classroom, in athletics, and throughout our community.
Lastly, a round of applause for our outstanding faculty and staff. Please stand and remain standing. I can confidently say they are truly the best of the best. Their dedication to our students and school community is unwavering. They create rigorous lessons and continually seek innovative ways to engage and inspire our students. This award is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
In November, I will travel to Washington, D.C., to represent Saint Wendel at the National Blue Ribbon Ceremony, and I couldn’t be prouder to do so.
Thank you once again to everyone for your hard work and dedication. It truly is a great day to be a Saint Wendel Eagle!
Have a wonderful day!
News Coverage-
https://www.14news.com/2024/09/23/exceptional-schools-tri-state-recognized-with-national-blue-ribbon-honor/
Great Articles in The Message-
https://evdiomessage.org/st-wendel-catholic-school-earns-national-blue-ribbon-school-recognition/
https://evdiomessage.org/st-wendel-goes-blue-to-celebrate-national-blue-ribbon-school-status/
Article in the Courier and Press-
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2024/09/23/oak-hill-and-saint-wendel-schools-get-blue-ribbon-school-designation/75349860007/www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2024/09/23/oak-hill-and-saint-wendel-schools-get-blue-ribbon-school-designation/75349860007/
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