Senators Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) and Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) today announced that Summit Park Elementary School and Timonium Elementary School have been named Blue Ribbon Schools from the United States Department of Education. The two Baltimore County Public Schools are two of only 215 elementary schools nationwide, and two of 5 throughout the State of Maryland to receive this prestigious designation for public and private schools.

Senator Sarbanes said this designation is a “ringing endorsement of the efforts underway in these schools to provide an opportunity for these students to succeed and achieve. Over the past few years, I have made a commitment to visit each of the Blue Ribbon Schools and have always been delighted to see first hand the interaction of parents, teachers, and the community in the success of the school. I look forward to visiting each of these 5 schools and congratulating the students, teachers, and staff personally for this exceptional accomplishment.”

Senator Mikulski said, “Education must focus on the basics – tough academic standards, safe and drug-free schools, and the latest in math and science technology. Those are the key ingredients for educational excellence – and the schools in Maryland that have won the Blue Ribbon School Award all have mastered these ingredients. They provide an opportunity structure for all children.”

According to the Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools have been judged to be particularly effective in meeting local, state, and national goals. These schools also display the qualities of excellence that are necessary to prepare our young people for the challenges of the next century. Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools which have strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality teaching; challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; a solid commitment to parental involvement; and evidence that the school helps all students to achieve high standards.

After a screening process by each state department of education, the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Council for American Private Education, the Blue Ribbon School nominations were forwarded to the US Department of Education. A panel of outstanding educators and other professionals then reviewed the nominations, selected schools for site visits, and made recommendations to the Secretary of Education.

From the Office of Senator Paul Sarbanes By Jesse Jacobs & Andrew Burkowski