Ossining High School wins Intel School of Distinction Award

I’m going to take a break from my usual blogging about local foods and sweet recipes, and give a shout out to Ossining High School for winning the Intel School of Distinction Award.

Even though I’m a parent with two kids in the District (and, full disclosure, co-President of the Ossining PTA Council,) I’ve been remarkably, embarrassingly, blasé about this whole Intel thing.  Last year, you might remember, OHS had eight semi-finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search, tying it with Bronx Science for the most of any high school in the country. 

But my kids aren’t in high school, so I didn’t pay that news much attention.

This year, though, Ossining has won a completely different award:  the Intel School of Distinction Award.   After doing a little bit of research, I realized what a tremendous accomplishment this is for Ossining. 

First of all, this is an award honoring the entire high school, not just individual students who participate in the exclusive science research program at Ossining.  To clarify all this for myself, I had a brief conversation this afternoon with Ray Sanchez, the Deputy Superintendent for the Ossining School District.  He explained that the Intel people visit the schools under consideration and not only review their entire science program along with standardized test scores and student grades, but they also interview students, teachers and administrators to get a sense of the school in general.

So, out of all the schools in the United States, Ossining was deemed to be the Star Innovator in Science this year.  From what I’ve read, it seems that what impressed the Intel folks was Ossining’s “philosophy of inclusion” where all students regardless of test scores or grades are encouraged to take science courses and consider careers in science.  That, and no doubt Ossining’s highly respected science research program that has produced all those aforementioned Intel Semi-finalists.

And Ossining gets more than just kudos for winning this award.   There are tangible prizes that come with it too – from $25,000 in cash to $150,000 in products and licenses that can be used for schools throughout the District.  Think computer programs and other curriculum materials from sponsors like Smart (they manufacture those nifty Smart boards you see at Back to School Night,) and Pearson (the company that brings you the NYS Assessment tests and now the Common Core Curriculum.)

Now that’s something this parent can pay attention to.

And next week, look out for a recipe for a Late Summer Plum Galette.  You’ll still have time to try it!