Harford’s Fountain Green Elementary School was today announced as a 2015 Maryland Blue Ribbon School by the Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education for students achieving at very high levels. The announcement made by State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery cited only six Maryland schools to receive the distinguished honor.
“Fountain Green Elementary continues to meet and exceed the challenge of meeting the needs of all students and serves as an outstanding example of public education at its best,” commented Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Barbara P. Canavan. “We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, parents, administrators and the school community.”
Fountain Green Elementary has more than 95.4% of students proficient or advanced on MSA math and 96.9% proficient or advanced in reading. This high academic achievement is encouraged, monitored and celebrated. In addition to the academic subjects, students and teachers value the importance of the “whole child.” Students are encouraged to participate in activities that showcase their talents in the fine arts by entering poster contests and participating in the annual school musical. The school has won the Maryland Center for Character Education School of the Year Award. The Parent-Teacher Association runs a Lego Club and has recently implemented a STEM Club to encourage students to apply logical thinking and inquiry. Fountain Green Elementary students strive for strength in academics and to apply their learning in creative manners.
“We are extremely proud of our students for this accomplishment and equally as proud of our staff for their dedication to the success of our school,” said Ms. Alison Donnelly, principal of Fountain Green Elementary School. “I ran through the halls of the school with our Blue Ribbon flag as all the students cheered. Today will be a day to remember for our school and community.”
Fountain Green Elementary is the first HCPS school to achieve this status in the past three years. Other HCPS Blue Ribbon Schools have been Ring Factory Elementary – Maryland and National – 2012; Bel Air Middle – Maryland and National – 2000; Joppatowne High – Maryland – 2000; North Harford Middle – Maryland and National – 1996; Jarrettsville Elementary – Maryland – 1992; and Havre de Grace High – Maryland and National – 1990.
Fountain Green Elementary, along with the other five school, will be invited by the U.S. Department of Education to apply to be National Blue Ribbon Schools. With underwriting and gift sponsors, each school will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon Flag, a monetary prize, $1000 of office supplies, interactive technology equipment, an audio sound system, and a school congratulations party. Underwriting sponsors include BGE, Comcast, and NTA Life. A dinner in Annapolis will be held in honor of the winning schools on March 9, 2015. On that date, each Blue Ribbon School will be honored by the Maryland House of Delegates and the Senate.