Fountain Green Elementary School Named 2015 National Blue Ribbon School

Harford County’s Fountain Green Elementary School was today announced as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Fountain Green Elementary is one of 335 schools in the nation to receive this prestigious distinction based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. These schools demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels.

"This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success," Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. "Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you."

Fountain Green Elementary is being recognized in the "Exemplary High Performing" category, in which schools named are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.

"The tireless dedication of the students, teachers, parents, administrators and community was tantamount in Fountain Green Elementary School receiving National Blue Ribbon recognition for extraordinarily high levels of achievement," commented Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Barbara P. Canavan. "Fountain Green Elementary continues to exceed the educational needs of each of their students, serving as an outstanding example of public education at its best."

Fountain Green Elementary is the first National Blue Ribbon School from HCPS since Ring Factory Elementary earned the title in 2012. Other HCPS Blue Ribbon Schools include Hickory Elementary – Maryland and National – 2008; Bel Air Middle – Maryland and National – 2000; Joppatowne High – Maryland – 2000; North Harford Middle – Maryland and National – 1996; Jarrettsville Elementary – Maryland – 1992; and Havre de Grace High – Maryland and National – 1990.

Fountain Green Elementary has an impressive record of student achievement; a very active and supportive Parent Teacher Association and school community; and offers a variety of enrichment programs for students, such as the Lego Club, the computer club and art clubs. The school’s teachers pride themselves on using best practices, innovative instruction, and multiple forms of technology in each class. The school was previously named a Maryland Character Education School of the Year.

"We are extremely proud of our students for this accomplishment and equally as proud of our staff for their dedication to the success of our school," said Mrs. Alison Donnelly, principal of Fountain Green Elementary School. "Today will be a day to remember for our school and community. Those students and faculty members who were at Fountain Green during the past several years should celebrate as well. They have played a large part in the success of the school, and it is a pleasure to see everyone’s hard work recognized."

Fountain Green Elementary will be honored at a ceremony Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. In addition to the ceremony in Washington D.C., where each school receives a plaque and flag signifying their "National Blue Ribbon" status, these schools will serve as models for other schools throughout the nation. The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The award flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.