Senator Paul S. Sarbanes recently visited Baltimore County’s two 2003 No Child Left Behind/National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence—Timonium and Summit Park Elementary Schools. The Senator visited several classrooms at both schools during his October 10 tour, talking to students about U.S. government issues and questioning students on what it meant for their school to be named a Blue Ribbon winner.

The two Baltimore County schools are among 215 elementary schools nationwide, and two of five in Maryland, to receive this prestigious designation for public and private schools. Senator Sarbanes made a commitment to visit each of the Blue Ribbon Schools in the state to see first-hand the interaction of parents, teachers, and community in the success of the school, and to personally congratulate the students, teachers, and staff for their exceptional accomplishment. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools have been judged to be effective in meeting local, state, and national goals. These schools also display the qualities of excellence that are necessary to prepare young people for the challenges of the next century.

Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Secretary of Education.

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Story and Photos by Marjorie Hampson Communications Specialist