TOWSON, MD. – The U.S. Department of Education today announced that Woodholme Elementary School in Owings Mills is one of six Maryland public schools named a 2012-2013 National Blue Ribbon School. Woodholme joins 13 other Baltimore County schools that have received the prestigious honor, and it is the first BCPS elementary school to earn the national distinction since Seventh District Elementary in 2009. “In just seven years since Woodholme Elementary School opened, its students and staff have earned a truly impressive array of recognitions and accomplishments," said BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “This National Blue Ribbon award reaffirms the school’s overall strength, from the leadership of Principal Maralee Clark and her faculty to the consistent level of achievement of the school’s student body," he said. “Today’s recognition is a tribute to the hard work and focus of the Woodholme team, and we’re proud of the example of excellence they have set." Principal Clark, who has led the school since it opened in 2005, credited her students, faculty and staff, parents, and community with collaborating to create a results-oriented academic program. “Being named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School is an incredible honor for the entire Woodholme community," she said. “Woodholme’s success reflects the deep commitment, involvement, and support from everyone involved in the teaching and learning process. Our faculty and staff are willing to try new instructional practices, curriculum materials, and technology to improve student achievement," Clark added. “Staff members, parents, and community partners take pride in preparing our Woodholme students to be college–ready and career–ready. We are thrilled to be celebrating together as ‘Team Woodholme.’" The National Blue Ribbon Schools program honors public and private schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today that 269 schools across the nation earned National Blue Ribbon status this year. Designed as a school focused on science, mathematics, and technology, Woodholme educates 780 students, and they achieved 96 percent proficiency and above in both Maryland School Assessment mathematics and reading test scores. In MSA mathematics, 91 of the school’s 132 Grade 4 students scored in the advanced range, and 103 out of 149 Grade 5 students scored advanced on the state reading test. Among schools statewide with similar demographics, Woodholme has ranked first in both math and reading. Last year, Towson High School became the second Baltimore County public high school to earn National Blue Ribbon status. In addition, schools previously designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools in Baltimore County include Eastern Technical High School; Carroll Manor, Middlesex, Red House Run, Riderwood, Seventh District, Sparks, Summit Park, and Timonium elementary schools; and Dumbarton, Hereford, and Ridgely middle schools. Baltimore County Public Schools have celebrated National Blue Ribbon designations for eight of the past nine years. Woodholme Elementary School representatives will be invited to Washington D.C., on November 12-13 to be honored by national officials, including U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

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