The US Education Department announced the winners of the National Blue Ribbon Friday. In Maryland, 10 schools made the list, including six public schools.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan made the announcement at Arlington Traditional School in Virginia. Principal Holly Hawthorne noted that the school’s focus on academics, behavior, and character is the foundation of its success.
“Behavior and dress standards help create a safe and inviting learning environment, and strong partnerships with families and the community foster each child’s whole development,” she was quoted on the US ED blog as saying. “Our students leave Arlington Traditional School as lifelong learners and future caring and contributing citizens.”
Writes Aba Kumi, the director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program at the US Education Department:
The 269 schools recognized this year represent 40 states, the District of Colombia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. National Blue Ribbon Schools are the “best in their class,” public and private elementary and secondary schools that produce outstanding results for all students. While all National Blue Ribbon schools have one thing in common–high or improving academic achievement –each great school has an inspiring story to tell about excellence in teaching and learning.
Maryland schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2012
Crofton Meadows Elementary School, Crofton (Anne Arundel County)
Principal: Mr. Derek Burns
Father Andrew White S.J. School, Leonardtown (Archdiocese of Washington)
Principal: Mrs. Linda Maloney
Notre Dame Preparatory School, Towson (independent school)
Principal: Miss Laurie Jones
Pocomoke Elementary School, Pocomoke City (Worcester County)
Principal: Mr. Christopher Todd Hall
Rachel Carson Elementary School, Gaithersburg (Montgomery County)
Principal: Mr. Lawrence Chep
Ring Factory Elementary School, Bel Air (Harford County)
Principal: Mr. H. Earl Gaskins
St. Augustine School, Elkridge (Archdiocese of Baltimore)
Principal: Mrs. Patricia Schratz
Saint Peter’s School, Olney (Archdiocese of Washington)
Principal: Mrs. Mary Whelan
Whitehall Elementary School, Bowie (Prince George’s County)
Principal: Mr. Jerenze Campbell
Woodholme Elementary School, Baltimore (Baltimore County)
Principal: Mrs. Maralee Clark