BBHS named Blue Ribbon School

September 26, 2024 at 1:02 a.m.

Blind Brook High School was recognized as an honored institution in the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. (File Photo/Westmore News)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Among the institutions recognized was Blind Brook High School.

The prestigious U.S. Department of Education 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 honored as an Exemplary High-Performing School. It was one of 21 New York schools to join the 2024 cohort.

“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 Dr. Colin Byrne.

He 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.

According to the National Blue Ribbon Schools database, the high school earned the honor twice before in 1987 and 2016.

“Every day, I see the work our staff members and students do,” said 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.”

U.S. Secretary Cardona noted that the honor 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.

The Blind Brook High School profile on the National Blue Ribbon Schools website highlights notable achievements and characteristics. It wrote about the school’s commitment to innovation—building a Fab Lab, hosting a Creaticon fair and changing the STEAM philosophy to DICE (Design, Innovation, Creativity and Expression).

Along with a 100% four-year college attendance acceptance rate for graduates, all teachers have earned advanced degrees, it states. Of the 17 Advanced Placement courses offered at the school, 91% of students taking them earned a 3 or higher on the exams.