The Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School has been named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School is one of 325 public schools nationwide – and one of only 19 schools in New York state— to receive this prestigious honor which identifies schools that are models of successful teaching, engaging curriculums and learning.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Principal Eric Romano. “This is a direct reflection of the dedication and hard work provided by our teachers, faculty and staff. We continue to deliver quality educational opportunities for today’s students and families, especially during the pandemic. This is a prestigious award that recognizes the work being delivered for our students, district families and school community – – which has always established academics as a priority.”
To be named a National Blue Ribbon School, the U.S. Department of Education requests nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Nominated schools are then invited to apply and must submit an extensive application for consideration. This is the second time Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School has received the Blue Ribbon designation; the first time was in 2008-09.
The application process was led by former FFES Interim Principal Megan Collins who coordinated with school officials to review information and data to submit the application to be considered as a National Blue Ribbon School. “We are very excited to receive this recognition,” said FFCSD Director of Curriculum Megan Collins. “Becoming a National Blue Ribbon School is a testament to the work completed on behalf of our teaching staff, students, faculty and administrators. Without their dedication and compassion for our students, this award would not be possible. Our staff continues to go above and beyond for our students and the Fonda-Fultonville community.”
To access the requirements to become recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School click here. To review the schools selected for this special recognition click here. FFES is one of only two schools to be honored as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School in the greater Capital District region. In addition, here’s the recognition video shared by the U.S. Secretary of Education. You can find the FFES recognition at 24:58 of the video.
“This recognition should be celebrated by our entire School Community,” said Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Superintendent Thomas Ciaccio. “The Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School is a unique place where our youngest students begin their educational journey. Inside it’s walls, the elementary school has an established tradition of creating a positive learning environment that develops successful habits and a love of learning. On the outside, FFCS has a school community in which families value education and model the importance of supporting one another.”
Representatives from the district will be honored at a recognition ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of Education on Nov. 4-5 in Washington, D.C.
According to the U.S. Department of Education website, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. To learn more, visit here.