Hindley School recognized as 2012 Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education recognized Hindley Elementary School as 2012 National Blue Ribbon School Darien Superintendent of Schools Stephen Falcone announced Friday.

"I was able to share the news with the faculty and they were very excited. [The Blue Ribbon] reflects well on Hindley School and the district of Darien and educators, to people who commit to doing what's in the best interest of the students. It's nice to have that acknowledgement because teachers often don't get widely acknowledged. This group represents educators all over the place who are dedicated to working for the students. We're very proud of what they've done and have been able to do and will continue to do," said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Falcone.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are made in students' levels of achievement.

The Department of Education will honor the 219 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony Nov. 12 and 13, in Washington, D.C. In its 30-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this award on nearly 7,000 of America's schools.

"Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in the release. "Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future."

The U.S. Department of Education has acknowledged other Darien schools, such as Middlesex Middle School and Darien High School, through various awards programs.

To select National Blue Ribbon Schools, the department requests nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

"We are extremely proud to have Hindley acknowledged for their outstanding work and are very excited that Mrs. Ferri will be in Washington in November to accept this special recognition," Falcone said.