Twenty-two elementary schools are being recognized this year as Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding school improvement strategies.

Established in 1982, the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Program recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence and significant academic improvement over five years. Schools must complete a comprehensive report of key criteria for school effectiveness that serves as a basis for an extensive assessment of their building and programs.

The State Board of Education stipulates that awarded schools must have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as required by the federal No Child Left Behind law; have a Michigan EducationYES! School Report Card grade of A or B; and not have a Native American-based school mascot, nickname, Elementary schools were eligible to apply for the Blue Ribbon award this year.

Michigan’s Blue Ribbon Exemplary Schools for 2008-09 are:

Bedford Public Schools (Monroe County):
    Jackman Road Elementary School, Temperance, MI

Brandywine Community Schools (Berrien County):
   Merritt Elementary School, Niles, MI,

Clintondale Community Schools (Macomb County):
   Robbie Hall Parker Elementary School, Clinton Township, MI

Farmington Public Schools (Oakland County):
   Kenbrook Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Lake Orion Community Schools (Oakland County):
   Webber Elementary School, Lake Orion, MI

L’Anse Creuse Public Schools (Macomb County):
   Atwood Elementary School, Macomb, MI

Oxford Area Community Schools (Oakland County):
   Lakeville Elementary School, Oxford, MI,
   Leonard Elementary School, Leonard, MI,

Rockford Public Schools (Kent County):
   Meadow Ridge Elementary School, Rockford, MI

Romeo Community Schools (Macomb County):
   Hamilton-Parsons Elementary School, Leonard, MI
   Norman B. Hevel Elementary School, Washington, MI

Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools (Chippewa County):
   Soo Township Elementary School, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Southfield Public Schools (Oakland County):
   McIntyre Elementary School, Southfield, MI

Utica Community Schools (Macomb County):
   Bruce Collins Elementary School, Sterling Heights, MI
   Richard J. Duncan Elementary School, Shelby Township, MI
   Floyd Ebeling Elementary School, Macomb, MI
   Morgan Elementary School, Shelby Township, MI
   Switzer Elementary School, Shelby Township, MI
   H. H. Wiley Elementary School, Utica, MI

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools (Oakland County):
   Commerce Elementary School, Commerce Township, MI

Warren Consolidated Schools (Macomb County):
   Wilkerson Elementary School, Warren, MI

Waterford School District (Oakland County):
   Riverside Elementary School, Waterford, MI