Paige Names 172 Blue Ribbon Schools
Schools honored for excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, and parental involvement

   U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige has recently named 172 public and private secondary schools selected as the 2001-2002 Blue Ribbon Schools. This marks the 19th year of the program, which honors excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, and parental involvement.

   The winning schools share several characteristics, including:A clear vision and shared sense of mission; challenging, up­to­date curriculum; policies and practices to ensure a safe campus conducive to learning; evidence of family involvement; and a commitment to help all students achieve high standards. This year, 145 public schools and 27 private schools in 35 states, and two stateside Department of Defense schools, will be recognized. The schools were nominated by state education agencies, the Department of Defense and the Council for the American Private Education.

   Selection of Blue Ribbon Schools is based on an evaluation of written materials from the nominated schools and the reports of experienced principals and administrators who conducted site visits to these schools. Reviewers make recommendations to the secretary of education for final selection. Schools selected for recognition have each conducted a thorough self­evaluation involving administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community representatives as part of the application process. This process included assessing their strengths and weaknesses and developing strategic plans for the future development of the school. Criteria for the next cycle of competition for the Blue Ribbon Schools Program will be announced shortly.

Congratulations to the following members whose schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools for 2002:

Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Lower Merion School District
Dr. Patricia Haupt

Central Bucks High School - East
Central Bucks School District
Dr. A. Joseph Jennelle

Chambersburg Area Middle School
Chambersburg Area School District
Barry Purvis

Hershey Middle School
Derry Township School District
Kevin Fillgrove

Holicong Middle School
Central Bucks School District
Nancy Silvious

Lewisburg Area Middle School
Lewisburg Area School District
Floyd Walters

Maple Point Middle School
Neshaminy School District
Raymond Kelly

Palisades High School
Palisades School District
David Piperato

Quaker Valley Middle School
Quaker Valley School District
Dr. Deborah Deakin Nickel

Strath Haven High School
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District
Albert Bichner

Upper Merion Area High School
Upper Merion Area School District
Donald Sisson

Upper Merion Area Middle School
Upper Merion Area School District
John Adiletto