North Harford Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

PYLESVILLE, MD — One Harford County school was among the 329 institutions to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School, the U.S. Department of Education announced this week.

North Harford Elementary School was selected based on academic excellence, officials said.

"We are thrilled at having been named a National Blue Ribbon School," North Harford Elementary School Principal Lisa B. Sundquist said in a statement. "It is a credit to the hard work that the students, families, teachers and staff, and community put in so that each child can achieve. This award is an amazing acknowledgement of everyone’s dedication and tireless efforts. We could not be more proud of our students and the entire community and are thankful for their support."

North Harford Elementary students have helped their school become designated a Green School, growing crops in gardens and creating a monarch way station, where they tag the butterflies to track their progress. In addition, the PTA helps students learn outside the classroom by covering the costs of field trips and cultural events.

North Harford Elementary will be honored at a ceremony Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

Maryland’s 2016 National Blue Ribbon schools:

• Arnold Elementary School, Arnold
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Towson
• Hereford High School, Parkton
• North Harford Elementary School, Pylesville
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Ellicott City
• Pasadena Elementary School, Pasadena
• Saint Joseph School, Fullerton
• Saint Patrick's Catholic School, Rockville
• Saint Pius X Regional School, Bowie
• White Marsh Elementary School, Mechanicsville

“Achieving the coveted National Blue Ribbon Award affirms what we already know to be true about the North Harford Elementary community,” Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara P. Canavan said. “Students, staff and families are committed to ensuring that all students reach their highest academic potential. They represent excellence in public education. I am confident that they will continue to serve as an outstanding model not only to schools in our state, but across the nation.”

In addition to the being recognized at the November ceremony in Washington, D.C. — where each school will receive a plaque and flag signifying their National Blue Ribbon status — blue ribbon schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation.

Here are the past Harford County Blue Ribbon Schools:

• Fountain Green Elementary; Maryland and National Blue Ribbon School, 2015
• Ring Factory Elementary; Maryland and National, 2012
• Hickory Elementary; Maryland and National, 2008
• Bel Air Middle; Maryland and National, 2000
• Joppatowne High; Maryland, 2000
• North Harford Middle; Maryland and National, 1996
• Jarrettsville Elementary; Maryland, 1992
• Havre de Grace High; Maryland and National, 1990

Photo courtesy of Harford County Public Schools.