Bangor School Scores Top Honor From U.S. Secretary Of Education
The U.S. .Secretary of Education announced the awardees of the National Blue Ribbon Schools this week, and one Bangor School was on the list.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized The Mary Snow School for it's honor, saying in a press release earlier today, that Blue Ribbon Schools are chosen for the "extraordinary work you do to meet students' needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives."
Superintendent of Bangor Schools, Betsy Webb sent out a letter of congratulations, saying Bangor has a long history of award winning schools. "Mary Snow is the fifth Bangor school to receive this prestigious award. Bangor High was designated in 2001, James F. Doughty School in 2010, Fourteenth Street School in 2017, Fruit Street School in 2019, and Mary Snow in 2020."
Webb went on to say Mary Snow's award was one of Excellence as an Exemplary High Performing School. "Mary Snow's six year data on state assessments are an average of 20% more students meet or exceed state expectations in reading than the state average and an average of 30% more students meet or exceed state expectations in math. "
The Mary Snow School joined 366 other winners from across the nation in being recognized for their work to create "safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content."
According to the Education Department's website, ed.gov, there have been over 9,000 schools honored with the Blue Ribbon title since they started the awards program in 1982.
With 420 schools nominated each year, the Education Department bases it's decision on who will win the Blue Ribbon title on 2 different categories; state assessment scores and overall graduation rates.
Two other Maine Schools made the list: The Easton Elementary School in Easton and the Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth.
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