Pond Cove Elementary named 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Department of Education

Pond Cove Elementary School of Cape Elizabeth has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The Maine Department of Education shared the news in a press release Sept. 24.  "The 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."  It is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. 

Pond Cove Elementary was one of three Maine schools to receive the prestigious award and granted a performance category of "Exemplary High Performing School."  Schools in this category are among the state's highest performing as measured by state assessments or nationally normed test. The profile of the school, posted on the National Blue Ribbon Schools website, highlights the school's support from families and community as one of its greatest assets.  The school's use of a multidisciplinary learning approach and individualized learning plans which meet the needs of the whole child are are also highlighted. 

The other two schools in Maine to receive the same recognition were Easton Elementary School in Easton and Mary Snow Elementary School in Bangor. 

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education. 

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually on Nov. 12 and 13.  Each school will receive their plaques and flags via mail. 

The department has been awarding the National Blue Ribbon designation since 1982. Cape Elizabeth High School was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2019. [See news article]

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