Westerly Elementary named a National Blue Ribbon School

Westerly Elementary School students pose for a photo in front of their National Blue Ribbon School. Photo by Karen Derby

Westerly Elementary School in Bay Village has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. It is one of only 285 public and 50 private schools receiving the honor this year. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement on Sept. 29.

Westerly Elementary is honored as an Exemplary High Performing School for being among Ohio’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance is also at the highest levels.

"What an honor it is to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School," said Westerly Elementary Principal Josie Sanfilippo. "This award acknowledges and validates the daily hard work of our young students, the dedication of our staff, and the continuous support of our families and community members in our efforts to strive for and attain exemplary achievement. Congratulations Westerly!"

The Department of Education will honor these schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Principal Sanfilippo and veteran teacher Martha Fisher will attend the ceremony to accept Westerly's award. In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The award flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

This is the second school in the Bay Village City School District to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School. In 2010, Bay High also met the criteria for a high performing public school. It was ranked among Ohio's highest performing schools in academic performance and graduation rates. Once a school is named a National Blue Ribbon School, it retains the honor permanently.

"The entire Bay Village community can be proud that we now have two national Blue Ribbon Schools," said Clint Keener, superintendent of the Bay Village City School District. "Congratulations to the entire staff at Westerly school for continuing the tradition that has been built over the years and is seen every day in the wonderful spirit displayed by our students."