The Garrison Union Free School has been named one of the nation’s Blue Ribbon Schools for 2010 in recognition of academic excellence. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement September 9. “Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to achievement and to ensuring that students learn and succeed,” said Secretary Duncan. “Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and must receive a quality education.”
School Principal Stephanie Impellittiere and a member of the faculty plan to accept the award on behalf of the school at an awards ceremony November 15 and 16 in Washington, D.C. A total of just 254 public schools and 50 private schools nationwide are to receive this coveted award. “Our school theme this year is ‘It Takes a Team to Educate a Child,'” noted Principal Impellittiere. “This award reflects that team effort.”
Principal Stephanie Impellittiere and students are all smiles upon becoming a Blue Ribbon School. (Photo courtesy of GUFS)
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either high performing or have improved student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students. The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds. “When the District sets high standards, our students rise to the challenge,” observed Superintendent Gloria Colucci.
Garrison was selected to receive the award after completing a lengthy application process. Selection was based on students’ top performance on state assessment tests in the English Language Arts and mathematics as well as on the quality of the school’s signature curriculum programs in areas from mathematics to history and on its unique resources, such as the School Forest. “This award is a tribute to the hard work of our students and faculty,” said School Board President Carol McCullough. “Congratulations to our administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents. And thank you to our entire community for its ongoing support of educational excellence.”
Go Garrison kids (and teachers and staff)!