Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School Named Blue Ribbon School

PLAINVIEW, NY — Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School was one of just three Long Island schools to be named a National Blue Ribbon School.

The Plainview school joined Wantagh Senior High School and West Islip Senior High School as the only Long Island schools to earn the distinction.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos last week recognized 367 schools nationwide as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020. The designation is based on a school's academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among certain groups of students.

"Congratulations to this year's National Blue Ribbon School awardees," DeVos said in a news release. "It's a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students' needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives."

The award also recognizes efforts to create a safe and welcoming school environment where students master challenging and engaging content. The 38-year-old program has bestowed nearly 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.

The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools – These are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools – These are among their state's highest performing in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students.

Up to 420 schools can be nominated each year. This year, the winners included 317 public and 50 non-public schools.

A virtual awards ceremony is planned Nov. 12-13. Winners will each receive a plaque and flag in the mail.