(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – Two campuses of Madison County Schools and four in Huntsville City Schools have received the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Award.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Inc. presented the prestigious awards at its annual national conference in Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 3.

Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Award winners include Legacy and Monrovia elementary school in the Madison County Schools district and Goldsmith-Schiffman and Jones Valley elementary schools and Huntsville Middle School in the Huntsville City Schools district.

The Blue Ribbon designation recognizes schools that have excelled in nine critical performance areas:

* Active teaching and learning

* Challenging standards and curriculum

* Technology integration

* Student support and focus

* School organization and culture

* Professional community

* Leadership and educational vitality

* School, family and community partnerships

* Indicators of success

In other commendations, Monte Sano Elementary School in Huntsville received the Blue Ribbon Beacon School Award. Riverton Elementary School in Madison County and Whitesburg Elementary School in Huntsville were chosen for the Blue Ribbon Points of Light Award.

By participating in the Blue Ribbon assessment, evaluation and improvement process, schools benefit from networking with first-class teachers and administrators across the country.

For more information, visit blueribbonschools.com.