Verona School Named ‘Blue Ribbon’ Winner For 2017

VERONA, NJ — Things are feeling blue in Verona… and that isn’t bad. That’s because Our Lady of the Lake School was among the 342 schools named as “National Blue Ribbon Schools” for 2017.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education named Our Lady of the Lake to its annual list of high-achieving schools, which is based on “a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.”

Here are some of the features of the school, according to Our Lady of the Lake:

"One of New Jersey's leading Catholic elementary schools, Our Lady of the Lake School (OLL) has been connecting on a higher level since 1924. Home to PreK-3 to eighth grade students, OLL has been recognized as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon award recipient and is accredited by the Middle States Association."

In addition:

"Faculty integrate technology into the teaching and learning process to enhance collaboration and engagement. The use of SMART boards, document cameras, iPads, 1:1 Chromebooks and a computer lab are some tools used. Members of the faculty participate in the Engineering for the 21st Century science program while incorporating STREAM throughout curriculum."

Staff concluded:

"Students learn about community outreach through various organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Charities, and various other mission projects. They are involved in clubs and activities such as Book Club, Forensics, Peer Program, Student Leadership, and the entrepreneurship program TREP$. Graduates are recipients of many academic scholarships, and placed in numerous honors programs and advanced placement courses."

According to the Department of Education:

“National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools: public schools including charter schools, magnet/choice schools, Title I schools, and non-public schools including parochial and independent schools. They are urban, suburban, and rural, large and small, traditional and innovative, and serve students of every social, economic, and ethnic background. National Blue Ribbon Schools are places where students are relaxed and engaged. And yet they share some core elements of effective schools. Their leaders not only articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards, they stay close to the real action of teaching and learning. Mutual respect and trust run deep in their cultures. Faculty are supported by mentoring and professional development and have time to coordinate their work. Data from many sources drive adaptations to support every student. Families and educators work together in trust.”

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