U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DESIGNATES GLENWOOD LANDING ELEMENTARY A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLOctober 1, 2014 -- On Tuesday, United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that Glenwood Landing School was one of only three schools on Long Island and 337 nationally to be designated a "Blue Ribbon School."
Schools that demonstrate high performance on both Math and English Language Arts standardized tests for two straight years are nominated by their state's chief school officer for the award and invited to apply for the honor. Schools Superintendent Dr. Edward Melnick explained to Northwordnews, that after receiving the invitation to apply, the school went through an "extensive application process which looked at the kinds of opportunities offered to our students, how subgroups of the population performed, (i.e. Spec. ed vs. reg. ed) as well as unique and innovative programs." In its application, the school emphasized its vision to "create opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate as reflective, creative, critical thinkers who are passionately engaged in their own learning, and supports them in the process with differentiated instruction to promote optimal growth and achievement." In particular it highlighted its ROAR program (responsibility, opportunity, achievement, respect), and its outdoor classroom. Through ROAR, the application reads, "students are taught to be citizens of a community who make academic strides within a rigorous instructional program that encompasses authentic learning experiences, the Common Core Learning Standards, 21st century skills, and a true passion for learning. The school proudly exhibits this during its daily instruction in its newly constructed outdoor classroom." Dr. Melnick said that it has been a good month for the district with regard to receiving outside recognition. Not only was Glenwood named a Blue Ribbon School, but the high school was ranked one of the top 100 high schools nationally by the online news site The Daily Beast, and four of the five district schools were designated New York State "Reward Schools" for closing the achievement gap between special education and regular education students. "Although all of these outside accolades are wonderful," he explained, "they only touch the surface of the kind of wonderful work our faculty and staff do with our students. The “awards” are the result of many years of commitment and dedication to supporting our students in developing those habits of mind which will serve them well into the future. I commend our administrators, faculty and staff, as well as our community for believing that all students can be inspired." Munsey Park School in the Manhasset School District and East Moriches Elementary School were the other two Long Island schools to be designated Blue Ribbon Schools. CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO DESCRIPTION OF GLENWOOD LANDING SCHOOL ON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITE BACK TO WEEKLY |