BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
Principals in six Tristate grade schools likely have marked Feb. 2 on their calendars. It's the day they find out whether they are finalists for the national Blue Ribbon Schools Elementary School Recognition Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Ohio Department of Education named these schools as part of a group of 17 the national organization will consider:
- Edwin H. Greene Intermediate in Blue Ash.
- Freedom Elementary in Butler County's Union Township
-
John F. Dumont in Madeira.
-
Mason Heights Elementary in Mason.
-
Miamitown Elementary in Miamitown.
-
Hilltop Elementary in Reading.
The schools that make the cut Feb. 2 then will receive visits from the national organization. National awards will be announced May 25.
Two of the schools, Dumont and Freedom, are up for their second national awards. Mason Heights, Hilltop, Greene and Miamitown are going for their first.
Dumont earned a blue ribbon in 1988. Principal Catherine Swami said her school's parent involvement is a major improvement over the past 10 years.
"Probably 95 percent of our parents are involved in some way," Ms. Swami said. "We're in a community that expects the best, and we do our best to provide that."
Freedom earned its national award in 1992.
"To get another one, you have to show you really have improved," Principal David Tobergte said. "We have focused on partnerships with our parents and engaging activities for our students in our classrooms."
Mason Heights reached the state level in 1994 and 1996. Principal Thomas Morris said improved technology - each teacher has a computer work station and there are other terminals in the classrooms - should be enough to impress the national judges.
