December 18, 2018
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD - The tradition of excellence continued today at Glenarden Woods Elementary when the school was honored as a 2018-19 Maryland Blue Ribbon School. A two-time state Blue Ribbon recipient, Glenarden Woods is one of six statewide selected by the Maryland Department of Education this year as an “Exemplary High Performing School.”
“Glenarden Woods is known for its culture of high standards and high performance. Students, staff and community members strive for excellence in all aspects of teaching and learning,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “Maryland Blue Ribbon awards are among the highest honors in education. The entire Prince George’s County Public Schools community celebrates with Glenarden Woods.”
Under Principal Cecelia Jones-Bowlding, Glenarden Woods earned a five-star rating this year, the top rating in Maryland’s new accountability system. On the state’s PARCC assessments, 82 percent of students met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts (ELA) and 79 percent reached or exceeded expectations in mathematics. There also is no gap in achievement: 82 percent of economically disadvantaged students met standards in ELA and 72 percent in math.
"This is a much deserved early holiday gift for Glenarden Woods Elementary School and the Prince George's County School System," said Dr. Alvin Thornton, Board of Education Chair. "I commend the students, faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence, which earned their school this high honor and reflects its distinguished history of academic excellence. The Maryland Blue Ribbon designation speaks to our school system's commitment to nurturing communities of exceptional learners."
Glenarden Woods offers many high-quality learning opportunities for its students, including the Talented And Gifted (TAG) program emphasizing science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM). The school is housed in a newly renovated “green” building that earned LEED certification for its energy-efficient features. Two Destination Imagination teams have participated in global competitions and its Science Bowl teams have won four championships. Glenarden Woods also partners with Bowie State University to develop the next generation of teachers.
“I would like to congratulate and commend the students, principal and teachers of Glenarden Woods Elementary School for their steadfast and combined efforts of excellence,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Our students are truly some of the best and brightest in the state and this Blue Ribbon award is yet another symbol of the consistency of instruction, administrative best practices and high academic achievement.”
Glenarden Woods was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2006. Since 1982, 14 Prince George’s County public schools have received Blue Ribbon awards. Eleanor Roosevelt has earned state and national Blue Ribbon honors twice.
Schools will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag to display proudly along with a monetary prize, plus $1,000 in office supplies, interactive technology, and a party to congratulate students at their school. Glenarden Woods will now apply for National Blue Ribbon status from the U.S. Department of Education.
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