Blue Ridge Elementary School
| Type | Elementary School |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1965 |
| Principal | Timothy Majerus |
| Address | 3700 Woodland Dr. |
| Phone Number | 573-214-3580 |
| Website | N/A |
| Student Capacity | 471 |
| Students Enrolled | 467 |
| Number of Teachers | N/A |
| Number of Trailers | N/A |
| Enrolled in Lunch Program | 290 |
| White Population | 214 |
| Black Population | 196 |
| Hispanic Population | 36 |
| Asian Population | 23 |
| American Indian Population | 2 |
| MAP Score Math | N/A |
| MAP Score Communication Arts | N/A |
BY ALEX BRAUN
news@columbiamissourian.com
Blue Ridge Elementary School is trying to provide a diverse learning community for its students — whether by organizing cultural events or using different approaches to learning.
The school has hosted an event called International Night, a 2 1/2 hour exposition on foreign cultures run by students and staff. This year, under the slogan of “Many Cultures; One World,” the event included a flag parade, dancing and sign language. It also featured booths made by students to tell about their families’ nations of origin.
“The community gets really excited,” said Cindy Hutchinson, multicultural committee co-director. “We always have good participation from teachers.”
Principal Tim Majerus said, “It’s an excellent opportunity for our students to be able to experience a variety of different cultures.”
Blue Ridge students also have a unique opportunity to learn about science and nature outside. The outdoor classroom gives students the chance to grow plants, maintain butterfly gardens and observe natural phenomena as part of various science projects.
Majerus said Blue Ridge is also benefiting from its fourth year of participating as an eMINTS, or enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies, learning site. All third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms are equipped with SMART interactive wipe boards, computers and multimedia equipment through the program. The school has also recently procured SMART Boards and data projectors for its first- and second-grade classrooms through a written grant.
