Moraine Elementary marks National Blue Ribbon with student-led presentations on leadership and conflict resolution

Moraine Elementary Principal Joe Reiman and students presented highlights of the school’s recent recognition as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School and described student-led programs emphasizing leadership, social-emotional skills and classroom strategies.

The presentation to the Northville Public Schools Board of Education focused on the school theme “Habitland,” student-authored books for March’s reading month, leadership roles for fifth graders and new practical supports such as a school Peace Path and peer pals program. "I am really grateful for my time at Moraine," said Everett Witter, a former Moraine student now in high school, who told the board that skills learned at Moraine — including habits of effective people and early band experience — helped him balance academics and activities.

The nut graf: the presentation connected the district’s Blue Ribbon recognition to long-running, school-level practices aimed at the “whole child” — academic instruction integrated with leadership development, classroom circles, peer support and proactive conflict-resolution tools. Reiman told the board the award reflects “decades of work” by staff, families and the community.

Board members asked students and staff how some programs operate in practice. Students described the Peace Path as a place they may use when they have a conflict by asking an adult to escort them there, and said it can be used outside instruction time, such as at recess or when work is finished. Students described peer pals, classroom circles and defined group roles used in Building Thinking Classrooms to ensure equitable participation. One student explained, "When you're writing it, you're like, time to pitch my idea," describing how assigned roles support group math work.

Superintendent Dr. Weber and board members praised Moraine staff for the Blue Ribbon win and for consistent instruction and support. The meeting also included a set of ABCD awards recognizing Moraine and other elementary teachers: Cecilia Brown (first grade, Moraine), Jimmy O’Brien (third grade, Ammerman), Jennifer Frederick (second grade, Moraine), Katie Grama (resource room, Moraine), Molly Garcia (Ridgewood) and Sarah Cox (third grade, Silver Springs). Nominations singled out personalized supports, advocacy for students and above-and-beyond contributions such as school events and community outreach.

The board and superintendent thanked students and staff and posed for a group photo following the presentation. The Moraine presenters also distributed a donated book for the Moraine library in celebration of March’s reading month and invited board members to visit student breakout presentations after the meeting.