News
Unique projects, high test scores earn St. Barnabas a Blue Ribbon Award
Matthew Orgovan
Northfield
Last year was a banner year for St. Barnabas School, Northfield. Following a
two-year application and selection process, this Northeast Ohio Catholic school
was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education,
earning St. Barnabas a place in educational history.
St. Barnabas School was one of just 18 Ohio schools to be selected for this honor
in 2011. Furthermore, the school cemented its place as a pillar of Catholic educational
excellence by being one of only 49 private schools in the United States to earn
this recognition.
COURTESY ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL
According to the U.S. Department of Education, a total of 305 schools, 266
public and 49 private, were honored as 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools
based on their overall academic excellence or their success in closing achievement
gaps. This program sets a standard of excellence for public and private elementary,
middle and high schools whose students either reach very high levels of achievement
or have made significant progress by beating the odds.
"This recognition has heightened our school spirit, family pride, reputation
as a high achieving school, and has brought our entire school and parish
community together," said St. Barnabas School Principal Kimberly A. Browning.
"Recently, Margaret Lyons, the Secretary of Education for the Diocese of
Cleveland, spoke at our general PTU meeting. She stated that in order for
a Catholic school to be vibrant, it needs the following elementsCgood financial
planning, good academics and good spirituality. St. Barnabas Catholic School
is all of that and then some!"
The St. Barnabas School community began its first-ever "blue ribbon" journey
by completing an extensive application, which included various narratives
highlighting the school's history, test scores, curriculum, culture, partnerships
within the community and Catholic identity. Browning said that the school
started by getting the entire faculty involved in the application process.
"Small groups were formed to research and write the required narratives.
Additional input was then obtained from faculty/staff, parents, students
and the community."
In addition to Browning, the school's primary committee members during this
process were: Kathy Friess, assistant principal; Nancy Muir, junior high
teacher; Cathy Marion, junior high teacher; Sandy Wigdalski, 4th grade teacher;
Holly Welsh, 3rd grade teacher; Patti LaNasa, kindergarten teacher; Sue Arnold,
a parent; and Missy Haag, a parent.
The formal application was then submitted to the Council of American Private
Education (CAPE). According to Browning, the number of possible applicants
from each state is based on the number of schools and KB12 students, ranging
from a minimum of three schools to a maximum of 35.
"After the initial round, we were selected for nomination by CAPE," she added.
In fact, St. Barnabas qualified for the nomination of a high performing school.
This distinction is determined by measuring either the school's state test
scores in both reading (English language arts) and mathematics, or by assessments
referenced against national norms. "St. Barnabas ranked amongst the top 10
percent in the nation and continues to do so," Browning said.
"There are definite benefits to being a Blue Ribbon School," she said. "Our
phone began ringing the very next day, and from that time on, we have given
a dozen tours. We have even received calls from perspective parents who live
out of town that have called only because we are a Blue Ribbon School. Now,
the work really begins, as we to continue to challenge ourselves to not only
maintain our goals, but grow academically and spiritually for many years to
come." As a result of becoming a Blue Ribbon School, Browning also confirmed
that St. Barnabas has enjoyed an increase in enrollment.
St. Barnabas School distinguishes itself from many other Catholic schools by
offering a unique Junior High Elective Program. This program allows students
to choose from six different electives, including film making, mural painting,
Life Skills (in cooperation with the Ohio State Extension Program) and Behind
the Scenes with SBTV (St. Barnabas has its own TV studio managed by students).
"We also offer our newly acclaimed Peer Tutoring program," added Browning. "We
have even created our own anti-bullying program entitled, 'Love Can Build
a Bridge,' and provide school-wide assemblies with personalities such as popular
musician Steve Angrisano and Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Llibagiza. Plus,
we pride ourselves on providing multiple retreat opportunities for our school
community each year."
700 students, from preschool through eighth grade, currently attend St. Barnabas.
Beyond the school's academic and community achievements, these students are offered
a strong Catholic-based education. "Our Catholic identity is very apparent within
our school and parish community," affirmed Browning. "We have three supportive
priests and over 128 faculty and staff to support our students. We believe in
guiding all that we do through our service and faith. Our retreats and Masses
are student led. We also have a plethora of student activities, which include
over 35 different formats to become involved in."
Orgovan is a freelance writer.