Crofton Meadows gets Blue Ribbon

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Crofton Meadows Elementary School today was named a National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, becoming the 12th county school and the second school in the South River cluster to receive the prestigious honor.

Crofton Meadows, one of 269 schools across the nation to be recognized today, is the fourth county school in the last five years to receive the distinction. The 468-student school is one of nine Maryland public and private schools to receive the honor.

"We are ecstatic about this recognition," said Crofton Meadows Principal Derek Burns, who is in his second year at the school. "This award is the ultimate culmination of our 23-year legacy of exceptional teachers and staff, supportive parents, and - most of all - talented students."

National Blue Ribbon Schools are awarded based on one of two criteria: the ability of schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds to dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; or schools whose students, regardless of background, rank among their state's highest performing schools on state assessments.

"Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential," Secretary Duncan said in making the announcement. "Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed

to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future."

Last year, 99 percent of Crofton Meadows Elementary School students who took the Maryland State Assessments (MSAs) performed at the proficient or advanced level in reading, while 98 percent of the students scored proficient or advanced in math.

"The entire Crofton Meadows community should celebrate this incredible accomplishment," schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said. "Student success comes about through a great deal of teamwork and dedication, and Crofton Meadows is a perfect example of that."

In addition to Crofton Meadows, Benfield (2000-01), Bodkin (2000-01), Broadneck (2007-08), Folger McKinsey (2004-05), Jones (2002-03), Mayo (1996-97), Oak Hill (1998-99), and West Annapolis (1998-99) elementary schools; Severna Park Middle School (2005-06); and Severna Park (2010-11) and Southern (2008-09) high schools have earned National Blue Ribbon distinction.

The school will be honored by Secretary Duncan at an awards conference in Washington, D.C., on November 12 and 13.

A complete list of National Blue Ribbon Schools can be found at www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.