Rachel Carson ES Named Maryland Blue Ribbon School

January 17, 2012

Rachel Carson Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the Maryland State Department of Education Tuesday. The school will now compete to become the 35thNational Blue Ribbon School in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

“Congratulations to the Rachel Carson staff, students and community for this well-deserved honor,” said Board of Education President Shirley Brandman. “Rachel Carson is doing exceptional work to meet the educational needs of all its students and today’s award recognizes that dedicated effort.”

The Gaithersburg school was honored for its outstanding academic performance, as well as its leadership, professional development and instructional programs. MCPS Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr attended Tuesday’s announcement in Baltimore with Rachel Carson principal Lawrence Chep and other school and system staff.

The announcement of the state’s six 2012 Blue Ribbon Schools was made by Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky.

“Rachel Carson is a shining example of excellence that comes from great leadership, professional collaboration and strong community support,” Dr. Starr said. “This is a great day for the Rachel Carson community and for Montgomery County Public Schools.”

As a state winner, Rachel Carson will now compete in the National Blue Ribbon Awards program. The National Blue Ribbon Schools will be announced in September by the U.S. Department of Education. MCPS has had 34 National Blue Ribbon Schools, the most recent being Highland Elementary School in 2009.

As the announcement was being made in Baltimore, Mr. Chep, Rachel Carson’s principal, shared the news of the award with his staff and students through a prerecorded video that was broadcast in every classroom.

“I am so proud of our students and staff and appreciate the unwavering support we receive from our parents and community members,” Mr. Chep said. “Our staff is completely dedicated to providing every student at Rachel Carson with an outstanding education, while making sure they enjoy learning and have fun.”

- Rachel Carson Elementary School website
- Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools program
- National Blue Ribbon Schools program

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