Three hundred thirty five schools across the nation were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year, based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Our Lady of Good Counsel School was named one of those.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized OLGC as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School on Sept. 29. Of 50 private schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, OLGC is just one of eight from New Jersey to receive this award.
“(The National Blue Ribbon) is a visible example of excellence … someone with educational credentials looked at our data and said, ‘Yes you do have an excellent school, and here is the visible evidence that you have an excellent school.’ The Blue Ribbon supports the fact that we feel we have a very strong, excellent program,” Principal Frank X. McAneny said.
“It is such an honor. Truly a validation of many years of hard work,” marketing director and parent Michelle Molz said.
“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. “Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence — in vision, in implementation and in results — and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”
Previous winners in Moorestown include Moorestown Friends School and Baker Elementary School in 1992, South Valley Elementary School in 1988, Roberts Elementary School in 1998 and Moorestown High School in 2000. OLGC is the first Catholic school in Burlington County to receive this distinction in the 33-year history of the program.
The award recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.
OLGC was named an “Exemplary High Performing School,” which means its students scored in the top 15th percentile nationwide in math and English during the past five years, measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
To separate it from the rest, OLGC also has progressive teaching methods, integrated technology in the classrooms and enrichment programs that enhance the students’ education, as well as programs and activities that teach charity and social justice with spiritual values in mind.
The mission statement for OLGC is to form young minds, hearts and hands in the image of Jesus, spiritually, academically, physically and socially through authentic Catholic teaching with respect and compassion for others. Its overall focus is on blending its traditions with the demands inherent in being progressive.
For example, students complete projects using Prezi presentation software, Symbaloo and Glogster as well as learning coding skills. Cross content project-based learning combines student application of content from social studies, language arts, math, science and art classes. Staff development is focused on varied forms of assessment, critical thinking and problem solving, visualization and verbalization, and writing skills.
Students plan fundraising projects for local charities and food drives for community food banks. The school also has a twinning project that connects students through on-site and distance contacts with students in Kingston, Jamaica. The school sends them much-needed supplies for school, medical needs and clothing. They also use technology to interact with the Jamaican students.
“Through Skype, kids are able to interact and learn about each other, acknowledge each other, learn about differences and unique qualities,” Molz said.
“The charity really combines well with the strong academic program … And we’re always looking for ways to improve,” McAneny said.
McAneny and Molz both wanted to recognize everyone who helped to achieve the award, saying it was the effort of many. They acknowledged Father Damien McElroy, their pastor, past principals, teachers, faculty, students, parents and even parishioners.
“It was really a collaborative effort, everyone fulfilling their responsibilities and doing their roles,” McAneny said.
The DOE will honor the schools awarded this year at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9–10 in Washington, D.C. In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has bestowed this award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools.
OLGC will be celebrating with a pep rally or celebration on Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Also, Congressman Tom McAuthur is flying a flag over the capital in the school’s honor and will bring it back from Washington, D.C., to give to OLGC.
To see OLGC’s 2015 National Blue Ribbon School profile, go to nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/ and search Our Lady of Good Counsel. To learn more about OLGC visit www.olgcnj.org/school.
