Podcasts about national blue ribbon

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024  A new grant initiative provides opportunities for Appalachian communities in West Virginia…three West Virginia Schools receive National Blue Ribbon status…and WVU helps develop a commercial property listing search to encourage development on former mine lands…on today's daily304. #1 – From ARC.GOV –  Appalachia's regional economic growth relies on local ability to prioritize challenges and implement solutions. However, capacity is often lacking at the individual, organizational, or community levels to do so. READY Grants to Grow is a $9 million funding opportunity that will award grants of up to $500,000 to organizations seeking to build individual, organizational and/or community capacity across the region. Any organization that is eligible to apply for an ARC grant can apply for READY Grants to Grow. Interested applicants are invited to register for a pre-application webinar set for Thursday, Oct. 10. Learn more: https://www.arc.gov/ready/grants-to-grow/    #2 – From WOWK-TV – The U.S. Department of Education has recognized three West Virginia schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Gilmore Elementary in Jackson County, Kellogg Elementary in Wayne County and Pleasant Valley Elementary in Marion County were among 356 schools across the nation to receive the prestigious award this year. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education's longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students. Read more: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/whats-a-national-blue-ribbon-school-these-west-virginia-schools-just-won-the-honor/   #3 – From WTRF-TV – Just as Zillow helps home buyers find houses for sale, commercial real estate developers will soon be able to find the ideal property in West Virginia's southern coalfields using a similar land search system developed at West Virginia University. Researchers say they have designed the platform to encourage development opportunities, like clean energy and recreation, on former mine lands. To repurpose these lands and create new jobs, WVU will collaborate with Coalfield Development Corporation and The Nature Conservancy. The system is part of a comprehensive project called “Appalachian Climate Technology Now,” which received funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant. Users will be able to filter their searches to find land that would suit their needs, whether they are looking to build a solar farm or raise carbon capture biomass crops, for example. During the project's second year, the WVU team aims to refine the search tool to provide users with a timeframe for sustainable development. At present, 16 sites have been identified. Read more: https://www.wtrf.com/news/wvu-researchers-design-zillow-inspired-software-to-turn-former-mine-lands-into-sites-for-economic-development/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Mike discusses the success of some Arizona schools that were recognized at a national level.

In this episode, Dr. Patterson sits down with the principals of Leffingwell and Ocean View Elementary to discuss their recent achievement as a National Blue Ribbon School. Ms. Songer and Dr. Blackwell provide some insight into how they found out they received this honor and how their schools celebrated with their communities. They also recount their trip to Washington D.C and the overall impact that this award has had on their students, staff, families, and communities.

We learn about National Blue Ribbon status for Hiawatha Elementary School in DeKalb County as we visit with principal Caitlin Benes.We get a local foods update from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo.Charlyn Fargo, registered dietician with the SIU Med School, talks instant pot cooking.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, Oct. 1  A hand-built recumbent electric motorcycle is just one of the amazing inventions you can view at the WV Makes Festival…Wellsburg residents celebrate their new bridge…and 3 WV schools earn Blue Ribbon status…on today's daily304. #1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Should Evan Stewart's 9-foot-long, 500-pound motorcycle coast to a stop alongside your vehicle at a stoplight, you won't hear any engine noise when the light turns green, and you might need to take a second look to spot its rider. Stewart is the inventor and fabricator of what might be the world's first fully operational recumbent electric motorcycle, capable of operating at interstate highway speeds while allowing its operator to lean back in comfort in a low-mounted reclining seat with a backrest. Stewart, who grew up in Charleston and has a degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University, designed and built the motorcycle with help from his father, Tom.  He says he's working on getting the motorcycle street legal. Until then, you can view it on display at the West Virginia Makes Festival Oct. 6 at Marshall University. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/wv-inventors-recumbent-electric-motorcycle-prototype-now-road-ready/article_a55036f1-6e05-5e47-afdf-5736b06920fa.html    #2 – From WVDOT –  On Sept. 20, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of Transportation Jimmy Wriston joined an estimated 2,500 people to celebrate the new Wellsburg Bridge, connecting Wellsburg, West Virginia with Brilliant, Ohio. The WVDOT has released a video featuring interviews from five people in the Wellsburg area who worked for decades to try to find support for a bridge for their community. The video, featuring Helen Mayle, Walt Ferguson, Jason Ferguson, Jack Yost, and Tim Ennis, and titled "Wellsburg, A Dream (Bridge) Come True" is available on WVDOT's YouTube channel.  “I used to come across on the ferry, and the ferry froze in the river and sank in 1948," said Helen Mayle, member of the Citizen's Bridge Committee, who formed decades ago in support of the bridge. “We haven't had a crossing since.” Watch the video: https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/A_Dream_Come_True.aspx   #3 – From WV METRO NEWS – Congratulations to three West Virginia elementary schools that have earned National Blue Ribbon status. The U.S. Department of Education bestowed the honor upon 353 schools across the nation this year. West Virginia's 2023 Blue Ribbon schools are Jayenne Elementary School in Marion County, Sherman Elementary School in Boone County and Ritchie Elementary School in Ohio County.  Governor Jim Justice had high praise for the staff and students from all three schools. He said these schools have laid out a blueprint for improvement and a path for other schools to strive in getting the same award. “The recognition is based on overall academic performance or progress and it's absolutely an honor,” he said. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/09/19/three-west-virginia-schools-earn-national-blue-ribbon-status/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Today's guest, Budd Dingwall, is a two time principal of a National Blue Ribbon school, valued member of the school leadership community, mentor and friend to so many. Today Budd shares letters he's received over his 50 years in education. These letters helped him formulate his Ten Principles for Principals. If you'd like a copy, email budd.dingwall@gmail.com

Today our guest is Mike Nelson, Assistant Executive Director for Professional Learning at the Washington Association of School Administrators We talk to Mike about WASA and the role that it plays in Washington in supporting Administrators. He shares the top 3 needs that his organization has heard loud and clear from educational leaders and talks about some ways leaders can help meet these needs. Michael (Mike) Nelson began his career as an elementary school teacher before becoming an elementary school principal. During his time as the principal, his elementary school received a National Blue Ribbon by the U. S. Department of Education. As a district leader, he led learning initiatives in both the Federal Way and Enumclaw school districts in Washington state. In January 2007, he became the superintendent for the Enumclaw school district during which time he led several initiatives to improve the district's cultural support and academic outcomes for Native students. In 2019, the Washington Association of School Administrators named him the Washington State Superintendent of the Year. Currently, he is the Assistant Executive Director for Professional Learning for the Washington Association of School Administrators.

SPECIAL EPISODE! Kristen and Sharon are on location in the Hamptons, recording from the iconic Golden Pear Cafe in Southampton Village. It's a crisp fall day, the sun is shining, and the ladies are hanging out in one of the best “people-watching” spots in Hamptons, right on Main street. They recap their weeks, talking about the Gallery North Event, and the HIA-LI Business Achievement awards while sipping on a Harbes Vineyard Rosé. For #LongIslandLife, a cow is on the loose and four Long Island schools named National Blue Ribbon winners. Kristen and Sharon also to an unboxing of the new Fall 2022 Locali Bred Subscription box, filled with the most adorable Long Island goodies. AND for a limited time our HotTeas can get 25% off their first seasonal subscription box at LocaliBred.com with code DSLI25. In CelebriTea, the ladies talk about Handmaids Tale, Mariah Carey on Meghan Markle's Archetypes podcast, Dancing with the Stars, and of course Britney. They close the show with all the best weekend events you won't want to miss. **Screenshot your podcast review and Get $5 off at the Discover Long Island Shop! https://shop.discoverlongisland.com #LONGISLANDLIFE Special thanks to The Golden Pear for having us! Visit any of their Hamptons locations or purchase their delicious coffee and baked goods at: https://www.goldenpearcafe.com Get your Fall 2022 Subscription Box at https://localibred.com and use code DSLI25 for 25% off!Events this Weekend on Long Island The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze https://pumpkinblaze.org Reflextions OctoberFest https://reflextionsriverhead.com Long Island Farm Brewery Oktoberfest https://www.longislandfarmbrewery.com Milleridge Inn OctoberFest https://milleridgeinn.com Fall Crafternoons at Whaling Museum https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/ Mike DelGuidice at Mulchays https://muls.com ChariTEA Winters Center for Autism https://www.winterscenterforautism.com ASK US ANYTHING! DM us on Instagram or email us at spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com. Tell us what you want to hear! Whether it is Long Island related or not, the ladies are here to spill some tea with you! WINE OF THE WEEK: Harbes Vineyard Dry Rosé : dry Rosé is made from our estate grown Merlot grapes. This wine delivers juicy watermelon on the nose and ripe strawberries on the palate. A perfect rosé blend! Gold medal winner at the 2022 New York Wine Classic. https://harbesfamilyfarm.com/harbes-vineyard/ Long Island Tea is sponsored by Long Island Wine Country. Visit https://liwines.com/ TEA TIME: Kristen and Sharon's recommendations: www.amazon.com/shop/discoverlongisland WATCH US: And SUBSCRIBE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/DiscoverLongIslandNY FOLLOW US: Follow The Long Island Tea podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longislandteapodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Tea-Podcast-101538728517461 Twitter: https://twitter.com/longislandteapodcast WRITE TO US: Email spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com RATE AND REVIEW US: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-island-tea/id1538642018 WEAR US: https://shop.discoverlongisland.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Lisa Bosco shares the story of how a Catholic elementary school in Dallas earned the National Blue Ribbon twice and how proud she is of the community culture that was created throughout the pandemic. Strength in Catholic identity, a focus on academic excellence, and leadership from a school president for strong operational vitality make Christ the King Catholic School of Dallas a thriving community. This episode is sponsored by FACTS.

On this episode of Providing Choice, we had a great conversation with Karla Rodriguez, Principal, and Paola Espinosa, Assistant Principal, at AcadeMir Charter School in Miami Dade County. We spoke about their National Blue Ribbon Award, building a great relationship with parents, and lessons learned during the pandemic. #CharterSchools #Education #FloridaCharterSchools Hosted by the FCSA's Lynn Norman-Teck, Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

Host Melissa Link speaks with Dr. Stephanie Stoneberg, principal of Prince of Peace School in Lake Villa, about how Prince of Peace was recently awarded a National Blue Ribbon.

Ramadan #HistoricMuslimah​ #7: "Shamima Sheikh" | Did you know that orthodox Islamic scholar Imam Shafi'i's janaza (funeral) prayer was led by a woman? Today, Khateebah Amira Al-Sarraf teaches us about the amazing Muslim woman who drew upon orthodox Islamic tradition and scholarship to lead a movement in South Africa for all women.   DONATE to The Women's Mosque of America today: womensmosque.com/donate Do you want to hear more uplifting spiritual wisdom from Khateebah Amira Al-Sarraf? Watch her past khutbah at The Women's Mosque of America below! "Caring for the Environment Like Prophet Muhammad (p)" Khutbah by Amira Al-Sarraf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SKM8...​   Bio: Amira Al-Sarraf is the Head of School at New Horizon School, an Islamic school in Pasadena awarded the National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. She has a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley and an M.S. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Walden University. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, she is passionate about serving the academic, social, emotional, spiritual, and creative needs of students as well as building a culture of collaboration and coherent pedagogy among faculty. Believing in the critical need for interfaith work, she has been actively involved in interfaith projects with the Skirball Cultural Center, Weizmann Jewish Day School, the Interfaith Peace Academy, and the Alice and Nahum Lainer School. Currently, she is a member of the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health Interfaith Clergy Roundtable Project in Arcadia, and she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Western Justice Center as well as the Council on Spiritual and Ethical Education. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Alverno Heights Academy, an all-girls' Catholic school. In the area of curriculum development, she is a co-author of Transitions, a health and human development program that teaches young Muslims about the important physiological and emotional changes they face during adolescence within the context of Islamic values. She has also been actively involved in the development of the Islamic Studies program at New Horizon and recently designed a new Islamic Studies curriculum for the Bureau of Islamic and Arabic Education that takes a dynamic approach to teaching Islam, incorporates comparative religion, integrates California social studies and science standards, and emphasizes the application of universal moral values and critical thinking skills. With a love for nature and the outdoors, she sought to give students at New Horizon a sense of the importance of environmental stewardship through a recent project at the school: the building of the New Horizon Peace Garden. She initiated this project in 2011 and worked with the NHS Garden Committee to fulfill the vision for the garden as a place of community-building and garden-based learning. She has attended conferences and workshops including American Horticultural Society and Living Schoolyards and seeks ways for this extraordinary outdoor classroom to touch all the learning at the school. Born and raised Los Angeles, she grew up in an interfaith household with a Palestinian-American father and a European-American mother. Amira is the mother of four adult children who are working or studying in the fields of law or elementary education.   Do you want to find out about The Women's Mosque of America's upcoming women-led & co-ed events? Sign up for our newsletter here: https://us9.campaign-archive.com/home...​ The Women's Mosque of America is the nation's first women-led Muslim house of worship and a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. The Women's Mosque of America strives to uplift the entire Muslim community by empowering Muslim women and girls through more direct access to Islamic scholarship and leadership. The Women's Mosque of America provides a safe space for women to feel welcome, respected, and actively engaged within the Muslim Ummah. It complements existing mosques, offering opportunities for women to grow, learn, and gain inspiration to spread throughout their respective communities. The Women's Mosque of America provides women-led Friday jumma'a services for women and children (including boys 12 and under) once a month in Southern California. In addition, The Women's Mosque of America provides programming, events, and classes open to both men and women that aim to increase community access to female Muslim scholars and female perspectives on Islamic knowledge and spirituality.

What is your why? Do your words and actions demonstrate your why in all your leadership moves? Today we are talking to Principal Tracy Hilliard from Frederick, Maryland, who leads with her why at all times. Her purpose-driven leadership landed her school with a National Blue Ribbon distinction and the year following she was named National Distinguished Principal for the state of Maryland. In this episode, Tracy shares the instructional and cultural shifts to take her school from good to great and what she looks for when building a team that is scholar-centered. Twitter: @FCPS_HilliardTracy.Hilliard@FCPS.org

Find out about Alvarado ISD's National Blue Ribbon campus and help us celebrate National Principal Appreciation Month.

Seven Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools have been recognized this year by the U.S. Department of Education with Blue Ribbon Awards. The National Blue Ribbon Award is presented to schools based on a school's overall academic excellence or the school's progress in closing student achievement gaps. Hosts Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz speak with Mike Kendrick.

Educational Consultant, and 30-year veteran teacher, Katie Decker, chats with us about the importance on communication, why you should give yourself a break, and not trying to be perfect. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/katiedecker. Episode Highlights 2:17 - Rae shares the most common challenges she has been talking with teachers about during the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic. 12:42 - Previewing the episode with Katie Decker. 16:25 - Katie introduces herself. 17:22 - Katie shares what the Socrates platform is. 19:35 - Katie's failure: Learning how critical communication is. 21:30 - Katie's success: Winning the National Blue Ribbon award. 23:39 - What's keeping Katie excited about education right now: Continuing to provide the resources to make the job a little less challenging. 24:42 - Katie's advice for teachers: Give yourself a break. 28:29 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less. 30:52 - How to connect with Katie. Katie's Recommendations EdTech Tool: Socrates. Learning Camtasia. Who to Follow on Social Media: Go into your general feed. Pay attention to your local and state news. YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Science Mom on YouTube. Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily: Make your bed first. Weekly: Take time for yourself. Best piece of advice you've ever received: Don't try to be perfect. Links to Connect With Katie Website: withsocrates.com Twitter: @Learnwithsocra1 Facebook Page: @learnwithsocrates Instagram: @learnwithsocrates --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Nathan Boyd, took on a new role August of 2017, he is the new Director of African American Student and Parent Services for South Bend Community School Corporation.  As a former school administrator of 13 years, 2012 ISCA Principal of the Year, 2012 National Blue Ribbon of School Excellence Recipient, and 2016 Indiana Principal of the Year he prides himself on being a champion for children.     Nathan Boyd attended Ball State University where he became a special education teacher later earning his masters and administrative license in 2008. Priding himself on providing students with more than just a rigours learning environment.  He is innovative and inspires by fostering a culture of excellence among the school to best prepare students for their future. A few of his accomplishments: voted 2012 ISCA Principal of the Year, 2012 IUSB Distinguished Alumnus,  2012 Ball State Graduate of the Last Decade, traveled to Washington D.C. to receive a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence, and 2016 Indiana (State) Principal of the Year.  While recognized on the floor of the United States Congress, the Honorable Jackie Walorski., shared: “Under Mr. Boyd's leadership, Grissom is providing students a positive, challenging, and academically-oriented learning environment with a focus on building knowledge, reinforcing values, and developing a strong sense of self-worth for every student.”   “Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.” -St. Jerome   Nathan Boyd Show Highlights: School is about developing human beings The importance of social capital Going all in restorative practices Get buy-in by doing compassion circles with the staff Do you treat kids the way you want your own son or daughter treated? Why you should stop using the word student in parent communication What Nathan misses (and doesn’t miss) about the principalship Using a “coaching” voice all the time is a mistake   “If you don’t feed the teachers, they’ll eat the kids” -Nathan Boyd Nathan Boyd Resources: The BLBS Podcast Todd Whitaker Books Baruti Kafele Books   “It’s a journey … there is no finish line.” -Nathan Boyd Nathan Boyd Contact Info Twitter   Podcast Upgrade Download the Closing open loops (to reduce stress and increase productivity here Buy the Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap   Show Some Love BECOME A PATRON OF THE SHOW FOR AS LITTLE AS $1/MONTH DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW?  iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! LEAVE A 5-STAR RATING AND REVIEW   Join my hybrid group coaching & leadership development community Website :: Facebook :: Insta :: Twitter :: LinkedIn   SHOW SPONSORS: ORGANIZED BINDER Organized Binder is an evidence-based RTI2 Tier 1 universal level solution Focuses on improving executive functioning and noncognitive skills Is in direct alignment with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework Is an integral component for ensuring Least Restrictive Environments (LRE)   You can learn more and improve your student’s success at https://organizedbinder.com/ Copyright © 2018 Better Leaders Better Schools

Dr. Winfred Roberson is the Superintendent of Glendale USD in California, where he oversees 33 schools and more than 25,000 students. Nine GUSD schools have earned the U.S. Office of Education’s highest designation, the National Blue Ribbon. Additionally, 26 GUSD schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools and 17 of the district’s 18 Title I schools have been named Title I Achieving Schools. GUSD has been named an Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll District for three consecutive years. Dr. Roberson has served in this position since April 1, 2016. Prior to taking on this role, he served as superintendent of the Davis Joint Unified School District for six years.

Virginia liaison Chris Kelly describes how he supports Virginia’s National Blue Ribbon award winners through a state-level plan and a social media framework to promote and share their success. Chris Kelly Interview Transcript For more information on becoming a National Blue Ribbon School, please visit the FAQ page, which details the nomination process and criteria… Continue Reading 2018 State Liaison Interviews Chris Kelly, Virginia

Our special guest is John Couch, Apple Inc.'s First Vice President of Education. He is also the author of the book Rewiring Education: How Technology Can Unlock Every Student's Potential.  Apple’s iconic co-founder Steve Jobs had a powerful vision for education, employing technology to make an enormous positive effect on the lives of millions of students. The man Jobs tapped to realize this vision was John D. Couch, a trusted engineer and executive who had a passion for education. Couch believed learning needed to be personal and collaborative. He argued the real purpose of education was to help children discover their uniqueness and empower them to reach beyond their perceived potential. However, changing a system that has notoriously resisted change for the past century proved to be no small task, even for an Apple vice president. Now, though, technology is increasingly integrated into every aspect of our lives, rewiring our homes, our jobs, and even our brains. Most important, a rewiring of education is finally beginning to unlock the potential of our schools, children, and society. In Rewiring Education, Couch shares the professional lessons he’s learned during his 50-plus years in education and technology. He takes us behind Apple’s major research study, Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT), and its follow-up (ACOT 2), highlighting the powerful effects of the Challenge-Based Learning framework. Going beyond Apple’s walls, he also introduces us to some of the most extraordinary parents, educators, and entrepreneurs from around the world who have ignored the failed promises of memorization and, instead, utilize new science-backed methods and technologies that benefit all children, from those who struggle to honor students. Rewiring Education examines the future, looking at the most promising of the emerging technologies, and how we, as parents, teachers, and voters, can ensure our children are provided with opportunities and access to the relevant, creative, collaborative, and challenging learning environments they need to succeed both today and tomorrow. John D. Couch is an Executive Advisor to, and former Vice President of Education at, Apple, Inc. A former UC Berkeley graduate student, HP engineer and manager, and Cal State University lecturer, John was recruited by Steve Jobs in 1978, becoming Apple’s 54th employee. He left in 1984 and spent ten years using innovative technology to transform a struggling K-12 school in San Diego, which is now a National Blue-Ribbon school. At Jobs’ request, John returned to Apple in 2002, tasked with bringing education into the digital age. He has been a vocal proponent of personalized learning and was Apple’s representative to President Obama’s National Education Technology Plan and ConnectEd initiative. In 2017, John funded the establishment of a new Student Learning Research Fellowship at Harvard University, designed to support cutting-edge research for improving student learning and motivation. Visit John’s personal website for info on his other endeavors, including Eden Estates and Eden Inspirations.  

Khateebah Amira Al-Sarraf delivers the 40th khutbah for The Women's Mosque of America on April 20th, 2018. In honor of Earth Day, Amira discusses the importance of being environmental stewards, as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us. Amira Al-Sarraf is the Head of School at New Horizon School, an Islamic school in Pasadena awarded the National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. She has a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley and an M.S. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Walden University. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, she is passionate about serving the academic, social, emotional, spiritual, and creative needs of students as well as building a culture of collaboration and coherent pedagogy among faculty. Believing in the critical need for interfaith work, she has been actively involved in interfaith projects with the Skirball Cultural Center, Weizmann Jewish Day School, the Interfaith Peace Academy, and the Alice and Nahum Lainer School. Currently, she is a member of the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health Interfaith Clergy Roundtable Project in Arcadia, and she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Western Justice Center as well as the Council on Spiritual and Ethical Education. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Alverno Heights Academy, an all-girls' Catholic school. In the area of curriculum development, she is a co-author of Transitions, a health and human development program that teaches young Muslims about the important physiological and emotional changes they face during adolescence within the context of Islamic values. She has also been actively involved in the development of the Islamic Studies program at New Horizon and recently designed a new Islamic Studies curriculum for the Bureau of Islamic and Arabic Education that takes a dynamic approach to teaching Islam, incorporates comparative religion, integrates California social studies and science standards, and emphasizes the application of universal moral values and critical thinking skills. With a love for nature and the outdoors, she sought to give students at New Horizon a sense of the importance of environmental stewardship through a recent project at the school: the building of the New Horizon Peace Garden. She initiated this project in 2011 and worked with the NHS Garden Committee to fulfill the vision for the garden as a place of community-building and garden-based learning. She has attended conferences and workshops including American Horticultural Society and Living Schoolyards and seeks ways for this extraordinary outdoor classroom to touch all the learning at the school. Born and raised Los Angeles, she grew up in an interfaith household with a Palestinian-American father and a European-American mother. Amira is the mother of four adult children who are working or studying in the fields of law or elementary education.

Two Dallas ISD schools—Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School at Mountain View College and Harry Stone Montessori and IB World School—were named National Blue Ribbon schools in September. Curious what is it like to lead or work at a Blue Ribbon School? Or what sets a Blue Ribbon School apart from other schools? This episode of Ed Talk with Dr. Bob Bravo, a podcast hosted by the Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership, talks with Trini Garza Principal Dr. Janice Lombardi and Lisa Curry, who served as principal last year of Harry Stone, to learn the answers to these questions and more. The conversation also offers advice for a Dallas ISD principal or teacher who is interested in striving for Blue Ribbon status at their school.