The Ohio Association for Elementary School Administrators announced that Riverview Elementary School in Stow is a winner of the 2008 OAESA Hall of Fame recognition award.
"This is a wonderful validation of all of the tremendous daily efforts, talents and work of our students, staff, parents and community," said Principal Brenda Harriss. "Working together for the good of our students makes Riverview a successful learning community."
Riverview applied for the Hall of Fame award after being nominated by a confidential person or persons. OAESA sends an application to the principal of a school that has been nominated. After the applications are received, the Hall of Fame committee reviews them to determine if the basic criteria have been met.
The Riverview staff submitted extensive written documentation substantiating the quality of their educational program in the following areas: instructional system, student achievement, student development, personnel, administration, school management and community.
"We are all very proud of this recognition for the Riverview community," said Superintendent Dr. Russell Jones. "This is a clear affirmation of the fine work that goes on in each classroom every day. Congratulations to Mrs. Harriss and the entire staff."
Seven finalists were selected from 53 nominations from across the state. The top two schools in each of the regional zones that met or exceeded a 75 percent score received an on-site visitation by practicing principals from OAESA's Hall of Fame Visitation Committee.
The judging committee visited Riverview April 14 and met with teachers, support staff, parents, the principal and superintendent. Stow-Munroe Falls School District is in "Zone 6," which consists of Summit, Medina, Portage and Lorain counties.
The Riverview staff will be honored at the annual OAESA Professional Conference Awards Luncheon Oct. 28 in Columbus.
"The winning Hall of Fame schools represent the finest schools in the state of Ohio," said Dr. Julie Davis, interim executive director of OAESA.
When asked during the application process why Riverview should be selected as a Hall of Fame School, the Riverview staff responded in part, "Our school is child-centered and offers a safe and positive environment for children. We realize that each student comes to school with a unique background and ability and the staff tries to encourage, support and empower the student to be the best they can be both socially and academically.
"The staff works on building the students' self-confidence and helping them to grow as independent thinkers. We utilize new technology and implement research-based Best Practices to improve student learning and are working on implementing Response to Intervention practices and progress monitoring systems."