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The National Blue Ribbon Schools media library contains more than 30 school site visit videos (more to come) as well as video interviews with 2015 Terrel H. Bell Leadership awardees and audio recordings of previous Bell awardees and ceremony participants. Learn about exemplary practices and hear what outstanding principals and others say about their schools.
All of these materials are available via a NBRS podcast channel.
Maryland liaison Darla Strouse reflects on the value of educator recognition programs and describes some special ways that Maryland celebrates National Blue Ribbon Schools.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
Georgia liaison Keisha Ford-Jenrette stresses the importance of recognizing schools that are making great improvements as well as high-achieving schools.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
Deer Park Environmental Science Magnet Elementary School (Newport News, VA) seeks to develop engaged students who bring their learning to life through caring for the environment. Immersing students in critical STEM explorations both on campus and off, Deer Park is home to more than 50 animal habitats. Each classroom hosts at least one habitat, teaching students the basics of caring. In addition to a science-intensive outdoor learning space, external partnerships with the Elizabeth River Restoration Project and the Virginia Living Museum give students further hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and restoration. This video created by Newport News Public Schools highlights some student activities.
Download the transcript of Deer Park transcript.
Download the Deer Park ES application.
Learn more about Deer Park Elementary School.
Contact Information
Mary Jo Anastasio, Principal
11541 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23601-1930
(757) 591-7470
Website: http://deerpark.nn.k12.va.us/
Email: mj.anastasio@nn.k12.va.us
Student Demographics 2016
| Number of students K – 5 | 526 |
| Students eligible for subsidized meals | 42% |
| Limited English Proficient students | 7% |
| Students receiving special ed services | 4% |
| Student mobility rate | 2% |
| White students | 46% |
| African American students | 34% |
| Hispanic or Latino students | 9% |
| Students of 2 or more races | 7% |
| Average student daily attendance | 97% |
Joe McTighe, Executive Director of CAPE, describes CAPE’s role in nominating exemplary non-public schools for National Blue Ribbon School recognition and affirms the importance of honoring outstanding educators.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
Where are awardees from? What’s their demographics?
What drives NBR schools to the top?
Ohio liaison Sherry Panizo discusses how her state brings evidence of National Blue Ribbon Schools to bear on discussions of raising achievement in low-performing schools.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
Florida liaison Lindsay Douglas links her investment in the National Blue Ribbon Schools program to her own experience of graduating from a school that later won NBRS recognition.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
Michigan liaison Erika Bolig describes ramping up NBRS involvement after Michigan’s 10-year hiatus from the program. She highlights the program’s vital role in Michigan’s ambitious new education goals.
For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria for both public and non-public schools. Contact your state liaison.
The National Blue Ribbon School applications contain a wealth of information about effective school practices. A new section of the National Blue Ribbon Schools website will feature selected excerpts from descriptions of practices detailed in successful NBRS applications. The practice areas highlighted are College and Career Readiness, Extended Learning Opportunities, Pre-K Education, Arts Education, Whole Child Education, Professional Development, and Parent and Family Engagement.
