September 20th, 2023 by WCBC Radio
U.S. Department of Education today recognized 353 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. Northeast Elementary School received a nomination in the category for Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. This category recognizes schools as those among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.
“Northeast Elementary School welcomes all students pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Our school is located in Cumberland, a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland. Home of the Roadrunners, our students uniquely feed two secondary schools known to be one of the biggest football rivalries in the state. Our students are afforded many opportunities to compete with and often against one another in youth activities, giving them the chance to build a stronger sense of school community. We use data to drive our school and create purposeful and content-rich events that engage and support our families' needs. Relationships with local schools, universities, and community partners are vital to ensure our students are receiving a well-rounded education. For example, the University of Maryland extension office facilitates health and nutrition lessons that teach our students the importance of healthy habits. This program also affords the opportunity for students to be exposed to and taste a variety of foods that support child development. Northeast staff ensures students' academic success and social well-being are prioritized to meet the needs of the whole child. It is important for our school to identify student barriers that can be dismantled through direct, explicit, and intentional instruction. Our school strives to empower all stakeholders to develop meaningful connections and relationships that cultivate a sense of belonging and unity.”
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually
inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and
attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of
American schools and serve students of every background.
While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning,
and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Mr. Daniel Clark is the current principal at Northeast Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School.
