PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (March 19, 2010)—Maryland dignitaries recognized Northern Middle School on the evening of March 15, 2010, for the outstanding accomplishments of the students and staff. According to the Maryland State Department of Education, “the school has a remarkable record of high student achievement – outperforming most middle schools.”
Northern Middle School, located in Owings, is one of only six recipients of the 2010 Maryland Blue Ribbon School Award. The state department chooses the six schools by analyzing the student performance of the approximately 1600 schools in Maryland.
On behalf of her school, Karen Burnett, principal, received a medallion from State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick, recognition from Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, and resolutions from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. Private sponsors donated books, equipment, and cash to the school.
“We are having a different staff person wear the blue ribbon medallion every day, and eventually every person in the building will have worn it,” said Burnett. “We will say a few things about the staff person over the intercom the day he/she wears it. This makes it really fun and literally shared!”
Earlier this month, Grasmick attended an assembly at Northern Middle followed by a reception and tour to celebrate the school’s extraordinary success.
Students escorted the guests to their seats where they were treated to the music of the school’s 7th and 8th grade orchestra. After almost 700 students filed into the auditorium, the school’s newscasters in the daily production of A Day in the Life reported on school events as well as student and team achievements. The students ended the report with “Make it a great day – or not. The choice is yours.”
“This award means you have the opportunity to learn everything you need to know for high school, college, a career, and life,” said Jack Smith, superintendent. “What you do in 6th, 7th and 8th grades matters for your life.”
A wide variety of student achievements were recognized through a spotlight on learning. Gretchen Eichelberger explained her science fair project; Nick Bateman, Dillon Brotherton, and Evan Eason highlighted physical education activities; Stephan Young and Ryan Adams performed a mathematics inspired rap; Brittany Canada focused on reading; Tristen Beeson performed a trumpet solo; Rachael Cole read from her History Fair project; and Shannon Walsh sang a cappella.
After their performances, Grasmick complemented the students and said they were representative of the talents that reside in all students. She recognized the teachers as “creative artists” working in student lives.
Burnett ended the assembly by recognizing the many groups and individuals who have supported Northern Middle students throughout their lives, including elementary principals and teachers, current and former school leaders, PTA members, and parents. “The importance in recognizing these individuals was to truly stress that learning is connective and, at its best, is a purposeful on-going collective endeavor,” Burnett said.
The school will advance for U.S. Department of Education consideration for the National Blue Ribbon Award.
Source: Calvert County Public Schools