Principal's Corner
Welcome to the Principal's Corner. My name is Lauren Amrhein, principal of Bernice A. Ray Elementary School. Each week I post a message here to keep you updated on important topics that are happening at our school.
My weekly posts can also be found in the weekly Ray of Sunshine newsletter which I highly encourage you to view. I also happen to have a twitter feed (in column to the right) where I like to post things that are happening throughout the day. I hope you find all of this information helpful, informative and fun.
Regards,
Lauren
Most Recent Post:
Week of September 23 - 27
Important Dates
- October 2nd - Student Flu Clinic (more information below)
- October 8th - 3rd Grade Curriculum Night @ 5:30
- October 9th - Bike & Roll to School Day (more information below)
- October 9th - 4th Grade Curriculum Night @ 5:00
- October 11th and 14th- School Closed
- October 16th - School Picture Day
Message from Our Principal
Dear Families,
We’ll take a pause from our reflection on Illustrative Math to celebrate some important news of the week. On Monday, Bernice A. Ray School was announced as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School!
As defined on the website, National Blue Ribbon Schools is the United States Department of Education’s award program honoring high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing achievement gaps.
Our school received recognition as an exemplary high performing school. We were nominated for the award last spring and underwent a lengthy application and vetting process that earned us the award
We know that no single person or group alone can be successful in educating our students. So many individuals, groups, and stakeholders are responsible for the success of our students. Our teachers and staff members build students’ academic and social emotional foundations for their academic journey. With your support, they lay the foundation for students’ educational journeys and a lifetime of learning. We are grateful for our bus drivers, custodial staff, Ray Cafe staff, volunteers, PTO, community helpers like the Hanover Police and Fire Departments, our SAU, the Hanover School Board, and the community as a whole for the support it takes to educate and grow our students. It takes a village, and the National Blue Ribbon School status is recognition of the valuable contributions of so many.
If you are familiar with Dot Day at Ray and Peter H. Reynold's book The Dot, then you know the significance of taking a moment to think about the ways that all can make a difference, and DO make a difference. As the book teaches us, start somewhere, make a mark, and see where it takes you. This year, we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. It seems like the perfect connection to our National Blue Ribbon School award.
When we think about these things that Dot Day celebrates- creativity, courage, and collaboration- we also think of the Ray School. On Wednesday, Ray staff gathered together to celebrate this achievement and how we make a difference for our students and for each other. We reflected on all the ways we “make our mark” in the world of education and how we are always learning, growing, and improving.
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There is a celebration and awards ceremony in early November in Washington, DC, during which we will receive a special flag and plaque that we will proudly display. We are planning some community events and celebrations along the way. We have all contributed and made our mark!
The Bernice A. Ray School is truly a special place, and so many people make that our reality. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Lauren Amrhein
Principal
