Riverton Elementary School has been named a 2015 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. A segment for “RES TV” is shown in the photograph. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Riverton Elementary School has earned national recognition as a 2015 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School.

Riverton elementary met the rigorous Blueprint for Excellence assessment process.

The nine assessment requirements are student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; technology Integration; professional community; leadership and educational vitality; school, family and community partnerships; and indicators of success.

“Your school has met the criteria for all nine categories. We are greatly honored to recognize such a deserving school working so diligently to fulfill the many learning needs of students,” Blue Ribbon Schools President and Founder Bart Teal said.

Riverton Principal Jeff Malone said the designation culminated a yearlong effort. “We are proud to be recipients of the (award). We began the Blue-Ribbon journey about a year ago. It has been very beneficial to work with them to point out our strengths and help us identify our areas of weakness,” Malone said.

“Our school is continuously striving for excellence and seeking ways to improve for the benefit of the students. We are truly honored,” Malone said.

Madison County Schools Superintendent Matt Massey praised Malone and his team. “Going through this process creates an opportunity for our schools … to gain insight into best practices with other Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools,” Massey said.

Blue Ribbon guidelines contend that best practices emphasize the principal’s leadership role, well-defined academic standards and involvement of parents and community residents in school life.

“We’re so proud of the Riverton elementary team for this tremendous accomplishment. The result means better opportunities for our students,” Massey said.

Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools commit to sharing expertise and exemplary practices with other schools on locally, regionally and nationally.

Other campuses in the Madison County district that previously have received the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School designation are Buckhorn High School; Central School; Legacy, Madison Cross Roads and Monrovia elementary schools; New Market School; Owens Cross Roads School; and Sparkman Middle School.

Riverton teachers will be featured at blueribbonschools.com.