Enders Road Elementary School is being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon school. In total, 353 schools have received the designation for 2023.
This is the fifth time a Fayetteville-Manlius school has received national recognition and the second time Enders Road was named a Blue Ribbon School. Fayetteville Elementary School earned the prestigious honor in 2021, Mott Road Elementary School in 2020, Enders Road Elementary School received it in 2014, and Eagle Hill Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2011. The honor is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
“Our staff, students, and families work hard each and every day and are dedicated to the academic and personal growth of each learner,” said Enders Road Principal Deborah Capri. “Enders was awarded a Blue Ribbon in 2014 which was a very special accolade. However, I think to now be recognized in 2023 is even more meaningful. Like so many others, our community banded together to bounce back from the pandemic. This Blue Ribbon is truly a commendation that recognizes Enders’ ability to be resilient and adaptable. I am so proud of our Enders school community.”
Enders Road is one of 22 New York schools, and the only one in Onondaga County to receive the prestigious designation.
“We are proud of the Enders Road School community, as this recognition sets a national example of what is made possible through building a positive school culture,” F-M Superintendent Craig J. Tice added. “The school community should feel affirmed that within the last four years, each of our three elementary schools have been bestowed this prestigious honor.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. Leaders of winning schools give presentations at state and regional meetings about their school’s practices and teachers from other school districts often visit Blue Ribbon Schools to learn about effective leadership and instructional strategies, according to the Blue Ribbon program website.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states. The U.S. Department of Education features the winners on its website.
