Vernon's Skinner Road School Gets Blue Ribbon Status

VERNON, CT — Vernon's Skinner Road School has been recognized by the federal government as a Blue Ribbon School.

It marks the second time in five years that a Vernon elementary school received the distinction from the U.S. Department of Education. Skinner Road School was recognized for "the hard work of its students, teachers, administrators and families to close the achievement gap." education officials said.

In 2020 Vernon’s Northeast School was designated a National Blue Ribbon School.

"I could not be more proud of our schools, our teachers and the students at Skinner Road School who have demonstrated that with hard work and commitment, great things can be achieved,” Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "This national recognition is a tremendous honor for our students and for our community."

The annual awards program recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the aforementioned achievement gap.

"This is like winning an Olympic gold medal," Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. "We are only one of four schools in Connecticut being recognized for our achievements. I am very proud of the students, teachers, families, staff and administration at Skinner Road School. They have been working diligently over the last seven years to close the achievement gap and this is a testament to their efforts."

Skinner Road School serves 321 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5. More than 60 percent of its students are designated with high needs. It is one of five elementary schools in Vernon, which is a Connecticut Alliance District.

The school’s accountability index in 2021-22 was 82.8, its highest ever. Since 2016-17, Skinner Road School has been identified annually as a School of Distinction.

Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky said he is proud and humbled by his school’s achievement.

"The teachers and staff of Skinner Road School are committed to making sure each student gets what they need to become well-rounded, responsible citizens of our community," Kerachsky said. "As the principal of Skinner Road School, I am so proud of our entire school community. Everyone has worked so hard to build relationships with families and to provide a school experience where all students can succeed. To be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School is extremely humbling. But we are not done. We will continue to work hard, if not harder, for all of our students and families."

A twice-a-day focus on mathematics at Skinner Road School resulted in students showing particularly strong growth in mathematics. Students with high needs, on average, met 92.7 percent of their mathematics growth targets, officials said.

"Our goal is for every student to achieve or exceed yearly expected progress," Macary said. "We are indeed moving the needle on student achievement."

Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time.

"This remarkable achievement by our students is due to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administrators and staff and the leadership of Dr. Macary and his central office team," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

Skinner Road is one of four Blue Ribbon Schools announced by Gov. Ned Lamont The other three are:

• Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton (operated by LEARN)
• Philip R. Smith School in South Windsor
• Stamford Charter School for Excellence in Stamford

"Because of the amazing work of our outstanding teachers, administrators, and staff, Connecticut’s public schools are consistently rated among the best in the nation," Lamont said. "Every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for success throughout their careers, no matter where they live or what their family's economic circumstances may be. Our administration remains committed to strengthening all the schools in our state and making continued improvements on closing achievement gaps. I congratulate these four schools on earning this national distinction and I wish them continued success."

Said U.S. Rep Joe Courtney, "Congratulations to Groton’s Marine Science Magnet High School and Vernon’s Skinner Road School for being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is a testament to the excellent educators, school leaders, staff, and families who help these schools and students excel. I applaud Principals Tara Amatrudo and Bryan Kerachsky for this well-deserved recognition, and Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary and LEARN Executive Director Katherine Ericson for leading school communities that have been home to multiple National Blue Ribbon Schools over the years. I look forward to continuing delivering support to help eastern Connecticut’s K-12 schools thrive."