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St. Rose of Lima Academy Named National Blue Ribbon School

St. Rose of Lima Named National Blue Ribbon School

Contact: Diane Pollak

973-379-3973

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dpollak@stroseshorthills.org

 

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October 2 , 2013 (Short Hills, N.J.) – St. Rose of Lima Academy in Short Hills, one of the oldest Catholic elementary schools in New Jersey, was recently designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers.  Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said when announcing the designation.

St. Rose of Lima Academy was awarded Blue Ribbon recognition in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools. The academy was one of only fifteen New Jersey schools awarded in that category this year.

“The hard work of our students, the highly skilled faculty and the dedicated and supportive parents combined to help us secure this national honor,” said Diane Pollak, the academy’s principal.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, started in 1982, recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. A National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers.

Over the past few years, St. Rose of Lima Academy has raised money from parents, parishoners and alumni to invest in a number of major facilities improvements, from a new science lab to a Technology Learning Center with 26 new computers and 22-inch multi-touch flat screen monitors. The multi-touch aspect provides touch screen interactivity using multiple fingers at the same time. The academy has also purchased dozens of iPads for students and teachers to use for educational activities in the classroom.

St. Rose of Lima Academy has also teamed up with Seton Hall University in a reciprocal partnership agreement. Seton Hall is helping the Academy integrate technology into its core programs and curriculum through a number of innovative, technology-driven initiatives.

Students have also worked with astronauts, scientists and engineers from Canada through blogs and participating in interactive webcasts.

Students have excelled, bringing in honors through their participation in national science fairs, a national Latin exam, the National Mythology Exam, and the state geography bee, among other activities.

St. Rose of Lima Academy in Short Hills, N.J. is a fully-accredited co-educational academy, with more than 225 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. The school draws heavily from Short Hills and the surrounding communities of Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange and Springfield. Established in 1869, it is one of the oldest Roman Catholic elementary schools in New Jersey. 

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