West Orange School Earns Prestigious ‘Blue Ribbon’ For 2022

WEST ORANGE, NJ — An elementary school in West Orange that goes by the motto “The School That Cares” is one of less than 300 to earn a prestigious national “Blue Ribbon” in 2022.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education released its latest list of National Blue Ribbon Schools, an annual effort that recognizes a school's overall academic performance, or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

There were 297 schools that earned the honor this year, including Redwood Elementary School on Redwood Avenue in West Orange, which serves 450 students in the township.

Here’s the school’s description as seen on the U.S. Department of Education website:

“Redwood's motto is ‘The school that cares.’ We care about ourselves, our community, and our school. At Redwood, one of the many ways we display caring about ourselves is reflected with our Caught with Character program where students and staff receive appreciation tickets when they are caught going above and beyond to display great character. For example, students have received tickets for assisting kindergartener's to their classrooms, helping a classmate by opening the door for them when their hands are filled, and teaching new students how to play games during recess. Staff have received tickets for helping new staff members acclimate to our school, staying late with students when parents are running a little behind, and purchasing a playpen for one of our families in need. At the end of the month those who have received tickets are recognized and celebrated by the entire school. We care about our community by celebrating and appreciating the many forms of diversity displayed in our school. Beyond themed months teachers weave in culturally responsive practices within all subject areas. Our school Diversity Equity and Access committee hosts summer book clubs for staff to engage in discussion and actions for a more socially just school environment. Lastly, we care about school by beautifying the grounds with our [‘Rock’et Garden] garden club and our annual tree planting ceremony. Redwood is a school where you are valued and cared for by all.”

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.

“As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children,” Cardona said. “Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students' lives.”

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