News Article - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

For Immediate Release
Monday, January 6, 1997
Contact:	John Costello

State Department of Education Nominates Seven Schools For National Blue Ribbon Programs

Malden - Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Robert V. Antonucci announced today the nomination of seven Massachusetts schools to participate in the 1996-1997 Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which recognizes schools that exhibit model educational programs. The program seeks to promote school improvement nationwide through the identification of public and private schools that are unusually effective in meeting local, state and national educational goals. The seven Massachusetts 1996-1997 Blue Ribbon School nominees are: the Mason Elementary School in Boston; the Blanchard Memorial School in Boxborough; the Emerson Elementary School in Malden; the Tisbury School on Martha's Vineyard; the Johnson Elementary School in Natick; the Steward Elementary School in Topsfield; and the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School in Worcester. "I am delighted to nominate these seven schools to represent the Commonwealth in this year's Blue Ribbon School Program," said Commissioner Antonucci. "During a time of tremendous effort by all our public schools to implement the Education Reform Act, these schools are demonstrating model activities that will carry educational achievement to higher levels." Applications for the program were initially requested by 253 Massachusetts schools, requiring each school to complete a 45-question self-evaluation focusing on the schools' effectiveness in the areas of leadership, organizational vitality, teaching environment, curriculum and instruction, student environment, and parent and community support. After review by an independent team of Massachusetts educators, recommendations were made to the Commissioner. The committee recommended seven schools to the Commissioner, who nominated these seven schools to the U.S. review panel. Applications will be reviewed by the U.S. Blue Ribbon Review Panel during the spring. Established in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors elementary and secondary schools in alternate years and has recognized more than 3,000 schools since the program's inception. Last year, 3 Massachusetts public schools were recognized by the Blue Ribbon Schools Program. They included the James P. Timilty School in Boston, Marblehead Middle School, and Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.

Last Updated: January 6, 1997