Pine Grove Elementary Named 2015 Blue Ribbon School

There’s a celebration going on in Baltimore County Tuesday after Pine Grove Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Tuesday morning identified 335 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Pine Grove.

To be selected, applicants must demonstrate that their students achieve high learning standards or that they have made strides in closing the achievement gap, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Measurements such as standardized test data, graduation rates and student subgroup information help determine which are National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“I am so proud that the hard work of the students, staff, and community of Pine Grove Elementary School is being recognized...” Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dallas Dance said. “Under the leadership of Principal Jean Wilson, Pine Grove has strengthened its rigorous academics, nurturing learning atmosphere and strong sense of community pride. Those elements combine to make the school an exemplar worthy of the National Blue Ribbon designation.”

According to Baltimore County Public Schools, 96 percent of Pine Grove students in third through fifth grade scored proficient or advanced in reading and math on the Maryland School Assessment over the last five years.

In addition, scoring 91 percent proficiency or higher were special needs students, those receiving free and reduced meals, English language learners and various racial and ethnic groups, the school system reported.

The principal at Pine Grove surprised students with the announcement at the end of their Pinwheels for Peace event, according to the report.They all received blue elastic bracelets and watched Duncan’s speech, leaving with certificates to show their parents.

The principal expressed her gratitude for families, teachers and staff for their roles in the honor.

“Pine Grove has an extremely dedicated faculty and staff who care about each child and work diligently to meet their academic, social and emotional needs,” Pine Grove Principal Jean Wilson said. “They go above and beyond to provide rigorous and differentiated instruction so that all students will excel.”

Added Wilson: “Our parents and PTA are tremendously supportive and provide many activities that contribute to increased achievement and enjoyment for the students.”

Eight Maryland schools were named Blue Ribbon winners: Fountain Green in Bel Air, Cardinal Hickey Academy in Owings; Kempstown Elementary in Monrovia; Lake Shore Elementary in Pasadena; Our Lady of Lourdes in Bethesda; Pine Grove Elementary in Parkville; Severna Park Elementary in Severna Park; and Smithsburg High School in Smithsburg.

In addition to being a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, Pine Grove Elementary School was named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School in 2014.