Danbury Elementary earns national award

DANBURY TWP. — When evaluating all aspects of Danbury Elementary School, the entire institution earned accolades equivalent to an A-plus. Staff members, students and district leaders recently celebrated after learning Danbury Elementary earned status as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Schools receive the elusive blue ribbon based on their commitment to academic excellence, leadership and community engagement. In the past three years, this award has been given to fewer than 1% of Ohio districts, making this a rare and prestigious honor given to just a small fraction of institutions nationwide, according to Danbury Schools. Danbury, meanwhile, marks the first school district in Ottawa County to receive the recognition. For the next five years, Danbury Schools will be the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence website, and district leaders are invited to speak on leadership development, academic rigor and student engagement at the annual national conference. "Small schools can do big things when guided by shared purpose and heart," according to the press release from the blue ribbon committee. "From personalized learning to deep community connections, Danbury Elementary continues to be a place where students are known, nurtured and inspired to lead, not just in the classroom but in life." Context on the criteria Schools are awarded based on their commitment to academic excellence, leadership and community engagement. The blue ribbon committee thoroughly inspected all aspects of Danbury Elementary, going through an extensive on-site review process. Evaluators examined, among other areas, the school's environment, instruction, leadership and culture. They found exceptional collaboration, innovative teaching and a powerful sense of belonging during the review, according to a press release. Creating a kind culture Cari Buehler, the district's superintendent, described the recognition as a reflection of those in the district. "This is about our shared vision ... learning within a collaborative culture that's results-driven," Buehler said. "When our daily work is guided by leadership, accountability, kindness, excellence, relationships and service, amazing things happen for our students. This recognition is proof that when we live our values, we achieve excellence together." Dan Humphrey, the elementary school's principal, said Danbury's culture contributes to its success. "Everyone knows every child by name and every child feels valued," Humphrey said. The feeling of family is shared among students, parents and teachers. Danbury also earned this honor, in large part, due to feedback given from parents and students enrolled in the district: • Parents appreciated how staff, when realizing a student is having a bad day, personalize lessons for students based on caring for one another. They emphasize how compassion shown by community members can make a positive impact on all. • Students also gave input, describing school as a safe space where everyone is kind, learning is fun, activities are hands-on, and teachers are helpful, especially when comforting youth. The award highlights Danbury's efforts in progression. Danbury earned impressive marks on its assessment in categories like student focus and support, technology integration, school culture and community partnerships. "This honor belongs to our entire community," Buehler said. "It celebrates the collaboration of students, staff, parents and partners who believe in our vision and live our values each day. At Danbury, we truly believe that together, we can all be better." Danbury Schools will be celebrated next month at the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference. Community comment Under a social media announcement of the achievement, several community members shared their excitement for Danbury. This would include: • Kellan Rae Hollingsworth: I'm a former proud Danbury student and my niece and son attend currently. I wouldn't want another of place for my son to be. I just love how the high schoolers know all the elementary kids' names, even down to the preschool. It's certainly a community. • Shelley Frakes Hollingsworth: From a parent of former students and a grandmother of two current students, thank you for being such an amazing influence and guardian of their educational growth. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. • Emily Rodenhauser: There's no one more deserving of this title than Danbury Elementary School!! As a parent, thank you for everything you all do and continue to do.