Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • September 19, 2012 Betsy Ross Elementary School recognized by USDOE by Frank J. McMahon The Betsy Ross K-3 Elementary School in Mahwah has been recognized as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels, or where significant improvements are being made in students’ academic achievement. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the award on Sept. 7 when she recognized 269 schools as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. “Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said. “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.” Former principal Christine Zimmerman, who was recently named director of curriculum, and Interim Principal Roger Bayersdorfer advised the families of all students in the school of the award. In their joint announcement, the educators wrote, “This is truly a unique and rare honor for a public school and one of which we are most proud.” Zimmerman and Bayersdorfer praised past principal Catherine Bennett, who retired a year ago, and all the staff who contributed to the receipt of this honor. “Creating an excellent educational experience for each student has always been a time honored Betsy Ross practice,” they stated. “The Blue Ribbon signifies excellence in the classroom that has been a characteristic in Mahwah for a very long time,” Bayersdorfer and Zimmerman continued. “Hard working students, dedicated staff, supportive Home and School Organizations, and parents who value education have long been the benchmark of the Mahwah Public Schools. We share this award with all of them and the entire Mahwah community.” According to the USDOE, a National Blue Ribbon Schools flag waving overhead has become a trademark of excellence, a symbol of quality recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities, and, in its 30-year history, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,000 of America’s schools. The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories. The first category is “Exemplary High Performing,” in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or “nationally-normed” tests. The second category is “Exemplary Improving,” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. To select National Blue Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Education Department requests nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application. Each fall, representatives from all winning schools are invited to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony to celebrate their success, share information, and receive a plaque and flag to commemorate their achievement.