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Cash Valley Elementary Named Blue Ribbon School

December 10th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Photo:  Executive Office of the Governor

Six Maryland public schools today were selected as 2019-2020 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools. All six were honored as Exemplary High Performing Schools, which places them in at least the top 15 percent of all schools in Maryland based on state assessment scores in math and English language arts (ELA).

The schools were announced today in Annapolis by Governor Larry Hogan and Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools.

The Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019-2020 are:

·         Cash Valley Elementary School, Allegany County

·         Jacksonville Elementary School, Baltimore County

·         Hampstead Elementary School, Carroll County

·         Mount View Middle School, Howard County  

·         Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School, Montgomery County

·         Bayside Elementary School, Queen Anne’s County

“We are proud to have some of the best schools in America, and today we are recognizing the very best of the best,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “These schools are proof that with strong collaboration between dedicated educators, families, and communities we can close the achievement gap, prepare our students, and give Maryland’s children hope for a better future. Congratulations to all of our deserving winners.”

“Each of these schools is a unique combination of students, teachers, staff, and families working hard to create a truly outstanding environment for growth and learning,” said Dr. Karen Salmon. “Maryland’s Blue Ribbon Schools are providing our students knowledge and skills to succeed in life, and their communities are providing the support which is so vital for success. Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon Schools!”

Each school will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag, a monetary prize, $1,000 in office supplies, interactive technology equipment, and a school congratulations party. A dinner in Annapolis will be held in honor of the winning schools on March 2, 2020.  On that date, each Blue Ribbon School will be honored by the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. The schools will also be invited by the U.S. Department of Education to apply to be National Blue Ribbon Schools.

2019-2020 Maryland Blue Ribbon School Profiles

Cash Valley Elementary School (Allegany County) serves 284 pre-kindergarten to grade 5 students, providing education through general classrooms, regional structured learning environments, inclusion services, and early childhood programs beginning at age three. In 2018-2019, the school earned a five-star rating from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and was ranked in the 94th percentile on the Maryland School Report Card. More than 64 percent of students have met or exceeded expectations in math and ELA in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP).  At Cash Valley, 64.6 percent of the student body reflect an economically disadvantaged population. It was recognized as a 2019 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School. Partnerships provide students with attendance awards, family engagement activities, movie nights, spirit weeks, and robotics programs.

Jacksonville Elementary School (Baltimore County), celebrating its 25th year anniversary, is ranked number one in both its local school system and the State. With 548 students from kindergarten to grade 5, the school has 84.45 percent of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and ELA on the MCAP. Jacksonville has an attendance rate of 97 percent. It received five stars from MSDE and was in the 99th percentile for the State.  Currently all 4th grade students are exposed to the Advanced Academics curriculum in math, and two full classes have Advanced Academics for 5th grade math.  With support from parents and the community, students provided food for more than 65 families for Thanksgiving, and participate in a monthly “Beans and Bread” collection to provide breakfast for hundreds of homeless individuals in Baltimore City. 

Hampstead Elementary School (Carroll County) has an enrollment of 424 students and serves a large number of students with special needs. More than 73 percent of students met or exceeded standards in math and ELA on the MCAP. Hampstead Elementary integrates inclusive special education preschool and pre-kindergarten classes, as well as classes for students on the autism spectrum and students in a life skills program. Its school-wide poetry initiative celebrates and embraces multiculturalism and diversity. The school is proud to be a recognized Green School. With the support of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), students participate in community outreach activities such as collecting shoes for the needy and hosting a yearly holiday food drive for a local food pantry.  Hampstead has a 95.8 percent attendance rate and a Book Buddies Program where students foster a love of reading.

Mount View Middle School (Howard County) is proud that over 73 percent of its students achieved proficiency in ELA and over 77 percent achieved proficiency in math on the MCAP.  Each year the school’s band, orchestra, and chorus programs receive awards. This year the orchestra was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic, and the chorus was invited to Carnegie Hall.  Students achieve a high level of success with the Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Math Team, National History Day, Debate Team, and Future City programs.  All students enrolled in a World Language achieved proficiency in their languages for level one.  Students lead initiatives to support community service projects such as raising awareness and funding to fight breast cancer, organizing food and book drives, and creating a holiday gift for each child at a nearby elementary school.

Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School (Montgomery County) is the first school in the state of Maryland named after a woman, and has 746 kindergarten through grade 5 students. More than 40 percent of the students represent socioeconomically disadvantaged families, special needs students, or English language learners. The school offers a Deaf and Hard of Hearing sign language program, and is the only elementary school in Montgomery County with a Gifted and Talented Learning Disabled program. It also serves as a Center for Enriched Studies, bringing together students from several clusters for high level, fast-paced instruction. Barnsley has an award-winning Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. The school last year raised more than $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients initiative. 

Bayside Elementary School (Queen Anne’s County) holds a 5-star rating from MSDE with more than 61 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards in ELA and math on the MCAP. It serves 424 students in grades 3 to grade 5 and is also home to a regional Program for Children with Autism and Related Disorders. There is an excellent PBIS program at the school promoting positive student behavior. Students have access to individual Chromebooks and receive balanced traditional and digital instruction. The attendance rate is 94.6 percent, and Bayside has held Green School certification since 2018. Bayside hosts a Market Day Project that raised $4,800 last year, which was donated to two local charities. Student Council-led projects include a Feed a Family Food Drive, Cookies for Courage, a mitten/sock tree, animal shelter donations, and letters to local senior center residents.

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