ICYMI: Washington Irving School is Certified Blue Ribbon!

In case you missed it, Washington Irving School (School #4) was recognized nationally as a Blue Ribbon School! We congratulated them by donating empanadas from Salsa’s Cafe Restaurant in Garfield. Here are some words from school Principal Mr. Wilson:

“I am very happy to announce that a few days ago, Washington Irving School #4 has been named a 2023 Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School! This is a very prestigious award that will be accepted in Washington, DC and will forever be associated with our school.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic achievement. Every year, the US Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. This year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this honor to 353 schools nationwide, out of the nearly 131,000 schools in the country. In New Jersey, there were 8 other schools given this honor.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

I am so proud of our teachers, staff, parents, community, and most importantly, our students. This truly has been a team effort in moving our school forward. It was only seven years prior that our school was targeted by the state as a “school in need of improvement”. Over a very short period of time, we have been able to move our struggling organization to where it is now, receiving the highest honor that the United States can give to a school, qualifying as an Exemplary High Performing School! This can only be done through teamwork, communication and dedication to our studies!”

Congratulations School #4!