Stamford's Cloonan Middle School Is Named a 'School of Distinction'

Stamford’s Cloonan Middle School has been named a ‘School of Distinction’ by the College For Every Student (CFES) program.

CFES is a global organization that helps underserved students get to and through college and ready to enter the workforce. The organization is honoring 33 schools in nine states and Ireland as “Schools of Distinction” for raising aspirations and creating high levels of college readiness for their students.

The “School of Distinction” award recognizes CFES schools that have exemplary programs incorporating the three CFES core practices: Mentoring, Leadership through Service, and Pathways to College. These schools provide intensive exposure to the three practices and promote college readiness for all students.

Attaining “School of Distinction” status recognizes a successful year-long journey to build college readiness school-wide. Through end-of-the-year portfolios and final reports, photos, statistics, writing samples, schools document the impact and power of their work.

“This year’s award winners have developed some of the best activities we’ve seen in the last five years,” said Steve Boyce, who leads the “School of Distinction” program.

“These award-winning schools are not only helping their Scholars become college ready, they’re also lifting up schools across the country and beyond by sharing their best practices,” said CFES President & CEO Rick Dalton.

Cloonan was honored for having high-impact mentoring and role models.

Here is what CFES said about Cloonan’s program:

“Sixth graders at Cloonan Middle School met weekly with their mentors from corporations, colleges and the community. Sessions focused on goal setting, identifying and overcoming academic challenges, participating in extracurricular activities, learning about college and career options, and developing essential skills for college. To benefit the entire school, CFES leaders developed the Scholar Power Speaker Series that featured role models from diverse professions and backgrounds that gave firsthand accounts of their paths to colleges and professions, as well as the challenges and joys of being a leader.”

The school also received the “School of Distinction” award for the 2012-13 school year.

Photo: from the Cloonan Middle School website.