Mildred E. Strang Middle School Named National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

has been named National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education.

The Blue Ribbon, the most prestigious education award in the country, recognizes recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high performing, or in which student performance has improved to high levels - especially among disadvantaged students.

"We are extremely proud of the work of the administration, faculty, staff and students at our middle school," Superintendent Ralph Napolitano said. "We strive to prepare our students to be caring, competent and cooperative citizens who will contribute to, and make a difference in our community and our world, and this honor reflects these efforts.”

MESMS principal Linda Grimm said the faculty, staff and administration at the school are proud to offer a top quality, comprehensive middle school program for the students.

"We are greatly honored to be awarded this outstanding recognition for our school and school community," she said. "We are dedicated to enhancing student learning and to offering innovative programs and activities that maximize the potential and achievement of our students."

Mildred E. Strang Middle School was selected as one of 19 schools in the state, and one of 256 public and 59 private schools in the nation.

"America's long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a press release "National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their success is an example for others to follow."

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. 

A total of 413 schools nationwide were nominated by the top education official in every state. Since 1982, more than 6,500 of America’s schools have received the award.

"Your school is a model of excellence and student achievement from which others can take inspiration," Duncan told the district. "Your status as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School affirms the broader commitments you have made to expand the horizons of knowledge for all your students by equipping them to explore those horizons wisely. You have demonstrated that, working together, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community leaders can nurture all students to reach their full potential. You remind us that with determination and effort, anything is possible."

Representatives from the school will attend a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14-15 where they will receive a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence flag and commemorative plaque.

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