2 Montgomery Schools Earn Blue Ribbon School Honor

Two Montgomery County schools — Ronald McNair Elementary School in Germantown and Farmland Elementary School in Rockville — were among six public schools in the state selected Monday as 2016-17 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools. Both schools have diverse student populations that includes international students, low-income and special education students.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors schools that excel or significantly improve in reading and math exams as measured by state assessments. In order to achieve Blue Ribbon status, schools must meet standards established by the Maryland and U.S. departments of education.

“The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools represent the thoughtful work taking place at public schools throughout our State, as they prepare students for the next grade or the next step in life,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. “When schools succeed at this level it is a tribute to all: students, teachers, administrators, and community members. They all deserve our congratulations and admiration.”

The schools are recognized on the basis of rigorous state and national requirements for high achievement and significant improvement. The students in each of these schools are high achievers in reading and mathematics, and several have a significant number of disadvantaged students.

The schools will be invited by the U.S. Department of Education to apply to be National Blue Ribbon Schools. With underwriting and gift sponsor support, each school will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag, a monetary prize, $1000 of office supplies, interactive technology equipment, and a school Congratulations Party.

A dinner in Annapolis will be held in honor of the winning schools on March 13, 2017. On that date, each Blue Ribbon School will be honored by the Maryland House of Delegates and the Senate.

Farmland Elementary School – Mary Bliss, Principal

Farmland Elementary has a diverse international student population with a motto – “Together We Can.” At Farmland, students come from 23 different countries, with 179 ESOL students speaking 24 different languages. In spite of language challenges, PARCC proficiency in math was 74 percent and English/language arts was 66 percent.

A highlight of the school year is the International Night Celebration which serves as a vehicle for parental collaboration. The faculty and administrators have high expectations for themselves and the students, and focus on critical thinking skills for all students. Each student sets achievable personal goals and meets regularly with teachers to monitor his or her performance and achievement success. Farmland Elementary also has a mentoring program, morning messages, celebration assemblies, and charitable events geared to developing social responsibility in all the students.

Ronald McNair Elementary School – Sherilyn Moses, Principal

Ronald McNair, with an enrollment of 875 students, has a diverse population that includes economically disadvantaged, ESOL, and special education students. The school has made strides in achievement with over 62 percent of its students proficient or advanced in both math and English/language arts. The school’s Home School Model program has special education students fully included in co-taught classes at all grade levels, K through 5th grades.

McNair was ranked as the 11th best public elementary school in the state of Maryland, and top in Montgomery County Public Schools for the 2015 NICHE Ranking of Best Schools. As a fourth year PBIS school, classes mark their progress with coupons, awards, and quarterly town hall meetings. The school was awarded the prestigious Bronze Award for its implementation of PBIS and is a Professional Development School with Towson University, training up to 15 teachers each year.

»Photo courtesy of Farmland Elementary School