Bethesda Elementary School Named Maryland Blue Ribbon School

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Two Montgomery County public schools were named 2017-2018 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools, officials announced on Tuesday.

Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda and Luxmanor Elementary School in Rockville were named to the elite list of six schools. The schools were chosen for their high achievement, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, which picks the honorees.

The six schools were Waterloo Elementary School in Howard County, Fallston Middle School in Harford County, West Towson Elementary School in Baltimore County, Urbana Elementary School in Frederick County and Bannockburn Elementary School and Luxmanor Elementary School in Montgomery County.

"Each one of these schools is laser-focused on student success, and the results speak for themselves," State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon said in a statement. "Creative teachers work with engaged and dedicated administrators, parents and the community to develop strong learning environments for their students."

Here is what the state had to say about Bannockburn Elementary School:

Bannockburn "was named the top performing elementary school in the State of Maryland for the 2017 PARCC English Language Arts in grade 4 (ELA/4). The school has a PARCC average of over 89% of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. In 2016, Bannockburn became a Certified Green School. It has built a strong partnership with parents and has a PTA membership participation rate that averages over 80% each year. The staff is committed to building their capacity through ongoing professional development, including programs like Mindfulness that impacts both teachers and students. Bannockburn has instituted a Growth Board to facilitate teacher-led data discussions to strategize and ensure growth for ALL students. Its mantra of first teaching is best teaching is evident in differentiated small group instruction in all subject areas."

Bannockburn Elementary and the five other Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools will each receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag; a monetary prize; $1,000 in office supplies; interactive technology equipment; and a congratulations party at the school. There will also be a dinner in Annapolis to honor them on March 12, 2018, where the state House of Delegates and Senate will recognize them.

The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools may also apply to become National Blue Ribbon Schools, a designation that is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Photo: Bannockburn ES via Montgomery County Public Schools