FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Principal Margaret Williamson
860-658-9412 , mwilliamson@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net
St. Mary’s School, Simsbury Achieves 2018 Blue Ribbon Award
U.S. Department of Education Makes Announcement Today
Simsbury, CONN. – October 1, 2018 – St. Mary’s School in Simsbury, CT has been named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. It is one of an elite group of 349 schools nationwide to be given this distinction. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
In a videotaped message that was shown to the St. Mary’s School body and staff, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said, “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
St. Mary’s School is in its 61st year of providing excellent Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Hartford and is proud to have been recognized for this outstanding achievement. The school includes pre-kindergarten through grade 8 and has produced many highly successful alumni over the years who have attended prestigious high schools and colleges.
“We are proud to have received this award and we will continue to care for each child and help them grow into the wonderful human beings that God has intended. None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of the faculty and staff,” said Mrs. Williamson, principal of St. Mary’s.
One of only five schools in the state to receive the award this year, St. Mary’s School has worked diligently to exceed the expectations of not only the Blue Ribbon criteria, but – even more importantly – the local community.
Julia Forneris, a Granby resident with two children enrolled at the school said, “As a parent, I’m thrilled to see the school being publicly recognized for providing the amazing environment that I see my children enjoy and learn in every day. I hope it brings more families from surrounding towns to see what we’re all about,” added Forneris,
On November 7-8, Principal Williamson, Mrs. Virginia Gore, fifth grade teacher, and school pastor Rev. Frank Matera will join the other national recipients at the award ceremony hosted by the U. S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.