HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – An elementary school in the Upper Valley has been recognized for its excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
All grades at the Ray School in Hanover, New Hampshire, take part in the Nature’s Classroom for community building and learning.
“Doing fun stuff like animal tracking, learning about nature and trees, playing fun games on how to survive in the wild,” said Elizaeth Hotvet, a fifth grader.
The kids say it’s better than being indoors.
“Just staring at a paper for a long time, but in outdoor classroom, it’s a lot of more interactive,” said Ezra Gilbert-Diamond, a fifth grader.
The approach to education is one reason the Ray School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The principal of the K-5 school says the “secret sauce” includes incorporating the natural environment into the curriculum, having a supportive community and an outstanding staff.
“When I am talking about teaching staff I am thinking about everybody that comes into the lives of students. So, first thing in the morning, bus drivers, all throughout the day our custodial staff that keeps our school neat and clean for our students. The Ray cafe,” Principal Lauren Amrhein said.
The Blue Ribbon program was started in the early 1980s to spotlight schools that are achieving excellence and to share best practices.
“My job is that when students walk through the door, despite things that are happening out in the world, that they are able to be met where they are and have the opportunities to succeed on every school day,” Amrhein said.
Succeeding for this group is about more than just getting good grades.
“I don’t think it is about the learning but it’s about the experience,” Gilbert-Diamond said.
They seem to be taking their success in stride.
“I mean I feel like all schools at amazing because they educate. But, I just find it really cool and amazing,” Hotvet said.
The Ray School was one of two schools in New Hampshire to receive a blue ribbon this year. The second was a charter middle school in Nashua which was highlighted for closing the achievement gap.