Rockville 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.

Luxmanor Elementary School in Rockville and Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda 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 Luxmanor Elementary School:

Luxmanor "has a diverse international student population, with 26% of students coming from 22 different countries speaking 22 different languages. Luxmanor is also home to unique special education programs, accounting for 13% of the school population. Still, with 45% disadvantaged students, Luxmanor has an average of over 65% of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. Beyond the classroom, students’ efforts have impacted the community through annual food, clothing and school supply drives and fundraising. The school’s student energy and recycling team have contributed to its Maryland Green School certification. Luxmanor is also home to the 2017 Marian Greenblatt Elementary Master Teacher award winner for MCPS. The school supports student mentoring relationships between general and special education students."

Luxmanor 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: Luxmanor ES via Montgomery County Public Schools