Ross Elem. Named National Blue Ribbon Schools
First Time Two Delaware Elementary Schools Win Prestigious Award in Same Year
Dover, Del.–October 8, 2004 The United States Department of Education (USDOE) recently announced that Frankford Elementary School in Frankford and Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford have been named National Blue Ribbon schools. This is the first time in more than 20 years that two Delaware public schools have been chosen in the same year.Secretary Woodruff was extremely proud of both schools and stated, “It is so exciting to have two of our schools receive this award. This clearly shows how committed our teachers and administrators are in providing our students with the best educational opportunities.”
Governor Minner stated, “I am so very proud of both Frankford and Lulu Ross Elementary Schools.I extend my sincere congratulations to the entire staff and student body at both schools—every single person in those schools played a role in earning this great honor. The fact that both schools are very diverse andhave large populations of children who receive free and reduced lunch is absolute proof that all children can learn, that we can close the achievement gap and that Delaware public schools are meeting the demand to prepare all studentsto successfully compete in a global economy.”
To be considered for the award, schools must be nominated by their own state Department of Education.Eligibility criteria includes a three-year pattern of improved test scores; a variety of innovative educational programs;strong parental involvement; collaborative input from the community and staff; incorporation of technology into instruction;and strong internal leadership. Once nominated, each school is required to conduct an extensive self-assessmentto validate the information and statistics presented in its Blue Ribbon application.
A total of 321 public schools were nominated for the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award from across the country.Two hundred sixty-two applied for the prestigious honor but only 206 received Blue Ribbon status this year from the USDOE.
“For the second year in a row, a school in the Indian River School District has been chosen for National Blue Ribbon recognition. This is undoubtedly the highest honor a school can receive,” Superintendent Lois Hobbs said.“My congratulations go out to the entire staff of Frankford Elementary for their outstanding effort and commitmentto ensuring our children receive the education they deserve.”
“I was elated when I learned our school had been chosen for Blue Ribbon status,” said Sharon Brittingham, principal at Frankford Elementary.“Our staff works so hard every minute of every school day to provide our students with the opportunity to succeed.Achieving Blue Ribbon status simply reinforces our passion to provide a great education to our most precious commodity—our children.”
Robert Smith, Ed.D., superintendent for the Milford School District was also very pleased to hear that Lulu Ross Elementary had been selected as a Blue Ribbon School. “Achieving Blue Ribbon status is a confirmationthat this school has worked so hard over many, many years to provide a quality education to a largely diverse andlow-income student population.” Added Dr. Smith, “Our hats are off to this incredibly talented staff.They have done an outstanding job and I congratulate them for a job well-done.”
Sylvia Henderson, Ed.D., principal at Lulu Ross, was thrilled when the announcement was made.“I was ecstatic to learn that Ross Elementary had been selected since the Blue Ribbon status is the most prestigious honora school can receive. It is an award that is very uplifting, not only to the staff, but to the students, parents andespecially to the community.” Added Dr. Henderson, “It is obvious that through the vision of the district superintendent andthe leadership of the district and school, we have shared a common vision of making sound decisionsto ensure a quality education for our students.”
| School | Location | School Year |
| Brandywine High School | Wilmington | 1982-1983 |
| Shue Medill Middle School | Newark | 1982-1983 |
| Caesar Rodney High School | Camden-Wyoming | 1983-1984 |
| Christiana High School | Newark | 1983-1984 |
| Skyline Middle School | Wilmington | 1984-1985 |
| Dover High School | Dover | 1986-1987 |
| Corpus Christi School | Wilmington | 1989-1990 |
| St. Matthew’s School | Wilmington | 1991-1992 |
| Seaford Middle School | Seaford | 1994-1996 |
| Sussex Technical High School | Georgetown | 1994-1996 |
| Padua Academy | Wilmington | 1994-1996 |
| Corpus Christi Elementary School | Wilmington | 2000-2001 |
| Lord Baltimore Elementary School | Ocean View | 2000-2001 |
| Phillip Showell Elementary School | Selbyville | 2002-2003 |
| Frankford Elementary School | Frankford | 2003-2004 |
| Lulu Ross Elementary School | Milford | 2003-2004 |
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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