Mahwah School Given Distinguished ‘Blue Ribbon’ Title By US Department of Education

Mahwah’s has been named a 2012 Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education, according to an announcement made by US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Friday.

Of over 10,000 eligible schools, Betsy was one of only 269 to receive the recognition this year.

The school’s and released an announcement about the award to the school’s families Friday.

“The Blue Ribbon signifies excellence in the classroom that has been a characteristic in Mahwah for a very long time. Hard-working students, dedicated staff, supportive HSOs, and parents who value education have long been the benchmark of the Mahwah Public Schools. We share this award with all of them and the entire Mahwah community,” it said.

The two also acknowledged the work of past principal Catherine Bennett, who , and “all past and present staff who contributed to this outstanding honor.”

According to a release from the Secretary of Education, the Blue Ribbon distinction is given to schools in one of two categories, “Exemplary High Performing,” or “Exemplary Improving.”

Betsy was named in the “Exemplary High Performing” category, which the release said recognizes schools that are “among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests.”

This November, the DOE will present Blue Ribbon awards to 219 public and 50 private schools at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

“Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said in the release. “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.”

Betsy is one of 16 New Jersey schools that received the Blue Ribbon recognition this year. See the full list here.

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