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Friday, September 10, 2010

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following the designation of five Maryland schools under National Blue Ribbon status:

“Today, five more Maryland schools received one of the nation’s most prestigious designations as National Blue Ribbon schools. In the last four years, a total of 23 schools have been granted this national status, reaffirming Maryland’s position as home to the nation’s number one public school system. It is a great tribute to the students, teachers, and parents who, in response to the increased investments made by all Marylanders, continue to achieve at unprecedented levels.”

Today, Eastern Technology in Baltimore County, Ellicott Mills Middle School in Howard County, Northern Middle School in Calvert County, New Market Elementary School in Frederick County and Northwestern Elementary School in Wicomico County received National Blue Ribbon status. Last month, Maryland became one of ten winners in President Obama’s “Race to the Top” competition, bringing $250 million in federal investments to Maryland public schools.

In the last four years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has increased public school investment by $1.2 billion, fighting for a record $5.7 billion in FY11 alone. As a result, Education Week Magazine named Maryland’s public schools the best in the nation for the second straight year. Maryland’s elementary and middle school students achieved their highest MSA scores since testing began. Maryland’s high schools were ranked first in the nation by the College Board for the second year in a row for achieving the highest scores in nation on AP exams as well as having the highest AP participation rate in the country. In addition, Maryland’s Pre-K program is ranked among the best in the nation by the National Institute for Early Education Research.

6 comments:

Justin Case said...

Go Northwestern!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

This is great news for Wicomico County and Northwestern Elementary. I hope the County council will now take a vested interest in our children's educational environment and provide the funding needed($12000) to obtain a grant for the much need HVAC system to be installed for the children. Currently, there are several classrooms in the school that have to endure miserable conditions during hot weather. It seems that Northwestern does not see the attention that the city schools get, and now maybe national recognition will help improve thier experience. They've done thier part, council members, now do yours.

Concerned Retiree said...

Great spin. One of my neighbors Children that goes to Parkside was passed to 10th grade and failed 3 classes. They only have 5 credits for graduation and not been told about having to have credits for volunteer work. Amazing how the real truth is hidden for political gain. This is only one example and 1 child of the failure of our educational system while the Unions and Teachers claim they deserve more when their record tells us they deserve less.

Anonymous said...

12:33

What the crap does this have to do with Northwestern being chosen as a Blue Ribbon School? Get a life and vent your frustrations elsewhere.

This is some great news for the school and county. There is no need to try and put on a negative spin on this.

Anonymous said...

concerned retiree:
Perhaps that example is why Parkside was not announced as a Blue Ribbon School?

I think it is AMAZING that people are quick to judge teachers and thier performance. How often do the teachers deal with the LACK OF PERFORMANCE from the parents and thier students? I'm not a teacher, but I can say that the participation and the outstanding efforts put forth by northwestern's teachers, students, and community deserve some recognition!

If you are truly concerned, take your views to a 5am chit chat session and debate them there. Let a successful accomplishment be recognized and enjoyed by the recipients!!!

insider said...

My kids go to Northwestern. It is wonderful but is not supported by the BOE. The principal had to fight to stay there this year - they wanted to move him. He loves it here and the parents & kids love him - leave him here!

Also, what happened to the money that was supposed to pay for the wiring & HVAC upgrades. Two years ago they moved a big portable in there because the BOE was supposed to start work that summer and would not be done before school started and would have moved the kids into the big portable. Yet the portable has sat for 2 years and nothing was done. What happened to that funding? I'm guessing Bennett!

Or maybe it went to cover the $11,000 money that Lori Batts took from the athletic fund to pay for non-sports related items. Just like she took the Junior Honor Society money that the Junior Honor Society kids raised themselves to pay for the Honor Society because she didn't have any money to pay for their induction ceremony.

Northwestern is awesome - please don't take Bryson away and replace him with someone new or someone you demoted from another school.