Blind Brook High School Named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
Blind Brook High School Named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
![Logo of the US Department of Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727188223/blindbrookorg/ea9ryiamdgimv6zwgj4n/blueribbon-logo.png","width":1885}]){kind=logo}
Blind Brook High School Named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona yesterday recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Blind Brook High School was among those honored as an Exemplary High-Performing School.
"This recognition highlights the outstanding work that our high school administrators, teachers and support staff do to provide our students with an exceptional education,” said Superintendent of Schools Colin Byrne. Dr. Byrne thanked past principal, Dr. Jennifer Chirles, and current principal, Mark Greenwald, for submitting the application and necessary supporting data to receive this award. “I am also thankful for the hard work that everyone at the high school puts in to ensure that the children in their care get the best learning experience possible.”
Blind Brook High School opened in 1974, and currently has 393 students in grades 9-12.
“Every day, I see the work our staff members and students do,” said BBHS Principal Greenwald, who previously served as the school’s assistant principal. “This honor is a testament to them and how they inspire each other and consistently rise to challenges together. I couldn’t be happier to see this work recognized.”
Secretary Cardona noted that the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators.
“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities,” he said. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities and educators is a key component of their success.
Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
● Exemplary High-Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
● Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submitted a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family and community involvement.
- BBHS
- District
“Start with Hello Week” helps students create positive atmosphere
Students at Blind Brook Middle/High School have begun the new school year with a special reminder about how to create a positive atmosphere at the school and it begins with “Start with Hello Week,” which runs from Sept. 16-20.
The concept began with the Sandy Hook Promise, which helps support students and staff become more connected with one another.
“The goal is for schools to foster a culture of inclusivity and empathy in order to reduce bullying and increase connections,” the Sandy Hook Promise website states.
The week-long activities begin with students learning how to recognize when others are lonely or socially isolated, finding ways to help others feel included and techniques to start up a conversation.
“For this year's SWH Week, we hosted lunchtime activities that are focused on creating an environment where students can form new connections as well as recognize the trusted adults within their school community,” said Ashley Schlemmer, BBMS/HS Student Assistance Counselor.
“Some of our activities include writing conversation starters onto paper links to create a chain of ways in which people can engage with one another; creating Hello-Grams, with positive messages for students to share with their peers; wearing green to demonstrate solidarity and unity with the Sandy Hook Promise; writing letters of gratitude to trusted adults or completing a treasure hunt to locate spaces where students can find trusted adults; and finally, ending the week with a pledge to keep the Start with Hello spirit going throughout the year,” she said.