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Sunnyvale Middle school takes the Blue Ribbon
By Michelle Alaimo
Sunnyvale Middle School is one of the best schools in the nation, according to the United States Department of Education. The school recently was named a Blue Ribbon School, making it one of only 200 schools nationwide to earn this year's highest honor.
"We are really proud of our kids and school community," said Principal Thomas Sutkus. "It's a wonderful recognition of everyone's hard work."
SMS is the first secondary school in Sunnyvale's history to receive the award and is one of only two schools in the county to receive the award. The only other Sunnyvale school to receive the honor was West Valley Elementary School for the 1985-86 school year.
Founded in 1982 by the United States Department of Education, the Blue Ribbon Award recognizes schools that symbolize excellence. Elementary and secondary schools are eligible for the award in alternate years. Winning schools must wait four years before applying for the honor again.
About 400 public and private schools nationwide were nominated this year, with only 198 selected.
"These schools are fine examples of places where parents, teachers, administrators and the community have formed partnerships to help all students learn to high standards," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley "Their hard work, dedication and commitment should serve as a model for other communities that are deeply concerned about the education of America's students."
Nominated schools are graded on a variety of factors, including student support, academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, professional community and community partnerships. Most schools, including Sunnyvale Middle School, were visited earlier this year by a validation team that observed firsthand the information cited in the rigorous award application process. The team then recommended to Riley which schools should be selected.
The Blue Ribbon Panel report cited SMS as "exemplary" in a number of areas, including outstanding teaching and learning, challenging curriculum, student support and staff approach to the development needs of students.
The Department of Education will honor Sunnyvale Middle School in September, along with other Blue Ribbon Schools, in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The school already has received a Blue Ribbon School dated flag and will receive a plaque at the ceremony.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
