Ridgewood September 19, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Willard School wins Blue Ribbon recognition by John Koster Ridgewood’s Willard School, which is now celebrating its 100th Anniversary, has also been designated a national Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. “We were thrilled to receive this designation,” Willard Principal Marianne Williams said last week. “This award is an affirmation of the work we have all done at Willard School -- teachers, students, and parents -- to create programs and an environment that meet the needs of all learners.” Willard, a K-5 elementary school, was cited for consistent high performance. Everyone at the school and the Ridgewood Board of Education offices was delighted with the designation. The award will be formally conferred in Washington, D.C. in November. “It is a great honor for the entire Ridgewood Public Schools district that Willard School has been named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Ridgewood Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein. “The Willard School community serves as a prime example of the Ridgewood public schools’ tradition of excellence. Principal Marianne Williams, the Willard School teachers, and the support staff are to be congratulated for the hard work that they do every day with the children. They are also to (continued on page 26) Ridgewood’s Blue Ribbon application team. Pictured are Sarah Wyka (grade 4), Jerome Ong (grade 4), Dr. Elizabeth Holley (retired, but returned to work on the application), Education Specialist/Administrative Intern Leigh Porod, Wes Halter (grade 4), and Principal Marianne Williams.