Harrison Avenue Elementary School Named 2013 National Blue Ribbon School

The Harrison Central School District is proud to announce that Harrison Avenue Elementary School has been selected a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.  Harrison Avenue Elementary was one of 286 schools to earn this distinction nationally and the only one in Westchester County to achieve this award.

“I am pleased by our selection by the U.S. Department of Education for the National Blue Ribbon Award,” said Harrison Avenue School Principal Valerie Hymes.  “It is recognition of Harrison Avenue School and the Harrison Central School District’s commitment to excellence and to the progress of each student.  It is through partnership among parents, teachers, students, and administrators that a school achieves success.  I am proud to be a member of a District that values this collaborative effort on behalf of our students.”

Harrison Avenue Elementary was recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing School” using standards of excellence on student achievement measures and research-based indicators of school quality.  According to the National Blue Ribbon School program, leaders of Exemplary High Performing Schools articulate and implement outstanding teaching and instructional practices and teachers are supported by mentoring and professional development.  Blue Ribbon Schools cultivate a culture of respect for all members of the learning community.  Data from many sources are used diligently to adapt teaching and learning to support all children, with families and educators working together.

“This award recognizes and honors the talented, dedicated faculty and principal of the Harrison Avenue Elementary School,” HCSD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Michael Greenfield said.  “It is a testament to the mission of the District and Harrison’s sustained commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.”

The Department, guided by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, will honor 236 public and 50 private elementary, middle and high schools at a recognition ceremony on November 18-19 in Washington, D.C.  In its 31-year history, the National Blue Ribbon School Program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,500 of America’s schools.

 “Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers, “said Secretary Duncan.  “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education.”

Superintendent of Schools, Louis Wool, echoed Secretary Duncan’s sentiments, but added, “While we are proud of the outstanding academic achievement at the Harrison Avenue School, we are equally proud of the principal’s and the faculty’s unrelenting commitment of providing rigorous opportunities to all students and a commitment to excellence for each one of them.”