Holy Family School recognized nationally
Among 329 National Blue Ribbon Schools listed by Education Dept.
An area school has been named one of 2016’s National Blue Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday.
Holy Family School in Phoenixville has been named among 329 schools selected for the national distinction. Schools are chosen for either academic excellence or closing the achievement gap. Holy Family was selected for scoring in the top 15 percentile in math and reading compared to other public and private schools across the country.
“National Blue Ribbon schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices — professional learning communities, projectbased learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems — making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation.”
Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on fewer than 8,500 schools. On Nov. 7 and 8, the department will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“We’re thrilled being the only school in the Phoenixville/Kimberton area to receive the designation,” said Holy Family Principal Ann Marie Braca. “We are celebrating the news filled with excitement, pride and joy over the honor. We’ll be celebrating to show the pride we have in our staff and faculty, students, parents and alumni. We are Blue Ribbon proud.”
The Catholic school has focused on individual learning that allows students to choose projects or assignments, thus enhancing their engagement, Braca said. Instructional techniques include cooperative and discovery learning as well as peer and selfevaluation. The school has also invested in technology and tries to provide a well rounded education by teaching students world languages like Spanish, and raising awareness of the needs in the community through various service projects in each grade level. When news of the recognition hit the hallways of the school, the students and staff were understandably excited, Braca said. Students were treated to blue water ice before the closing bell and faculty members literally jumped for joy. Thursday morning students began working on a large poster celebrating the news with their handprints with a caption that reads ‘We had a hand in this.’ They’ll also celebrate on Monday by posing head to toe in blue for a photo with the whole student body.
“It’s a big deal,” Braca said. “You have to do the work to get the recognition. It’s an intense process to apply. You have to showcase your school. A lot of hard work by a lot of people.
It makes parents and students feel good. It acknowledges the work that we’ve all been doing. We’re excited and proud and blue.”