West Towson Named Maryland Blue Ribbon School

TOWSON, MD — West Towson Elementary has been named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School, officials announced on Tuesday. It was one of six schools to receive the state recognition for 2017-2018.

“We are so proud of West Towson Elementary School for this latest honor and the high-quality academic program it provides all students,” Baltimore County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Verletta White said in a statement. “Recognitions such as this underscore our systemwide commitment to excellence and equity. Achieving Blue Ribbon status requires strong leadership and a fully engaged teaching staff and student body. Congratulations to Principal Hershfeld and the entire West Towson school community.”

West Towson Elementary and five other schools were designated as Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for their high achievement, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, which picks the honorees. To qualify, a school has to score in the top 15 percent of all Maryland schools on the PARCC assessments.

The six blue ribbon schools were West Towson Elementary School in Baltimore County, Waterloo Elementary School in Howard County, Fallston Middle School in Harford County, Urbana Elementary School in Frederick County and Bannockburn Elementary School and Luxmanor Elementary School in Montgomery County.

"Each one of these schools is laser-focused on student success, and the results speak for themselves," State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon said in a statement. "Creative teachers work with engaged and dedicated administrators, parents and the community to develop strong learning environments for their students."

Here is what the state had to say about West Towson Elementary School:

West Towson "is proud of its PARCC scores with an average of 79% of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. In 2014, the school was one of 10 Baltimore County Public Schools initiating the district’s Spanish language instruction program which has grown and now reaches all West Towson students in grades four and five. West Towson, a Maryland Green School, is the school system’s first LEED certified school, earning silver level recognition for the building’s minimized impact on the environment, focus on occupant health, and instructional programs emphasizing environmental literacy. West Towson earned a bronze level award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for implementing healthy practices reflecting improved student performance. A Professional Development School with Towson University, West Towson is instrumental in training primary level teacher interns.

For their new designation, West Towson and the five other Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools will each receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag; a monetary prize; $1,000 in office supplies; interactive technology equipment; and a congratulations party at the school. There will also be a dinner in Annapolis to honor them on March 12, 2018, where the state House of Delegates and Senate will recognize them.

The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools may also apply to become National Blue Ribbon Schools, a designation that is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

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