District News

F-F celebrates Blue Ribbon School honor

Fonda-Fultonville's Pre-K-6 students, staff, parents, and guests filled the auditorium on June 16 to celebrate the end of the elementary school's year as a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honored Fonda-Fultonville as a school with at least 40 percent of its students from disadvantaged backgrounds that demonstrates dramatic improvement of student performance to high levels on state tests.

Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman began the ceremonies explaining what it meant to win a blue ribbon school . He asked if the children had brothers or sisters and perhaps even the students themselves were members of 4-H. Hands went up across the auditorium.

"Those of you belong to 4-H know that there are lots of awards that are given. And the best ones that are given are called the blue ribbon awards. The blue ribbon is the top, the best you can do—and that's what we received when we became a Blue Ribbon School," said Dr. Hoffman.

Will Tanner, Senior Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Communications and Outreach, travelled from Washington, D.C. to speak to the crowd.

"I am honored to be here today on behalf of Secretary (of Education Arne) Duncan to honor you for your 2009 Blue Ribbon School Award," said Mr. Tanner.

"It's a pretty special award. Out of 138,000 schools in the country, you are one of 321 schools that were selected for the 2009 Blue Ribbon School Award. And it's even more special because your are one of 19 schools in the state of New York. Your accomplishments have been amazing, so keep of the great work."

Terri Jasewicz of Congressman Paul Tonko's office then read a letter of congratulations from Congressman Tonko.

Dr. Hoffman took a moment to thank the teachers and staff of the elementary school for their efforts and teamwork that ultimately resulted in the award. He acknowledged the board of education members present, president Rod Simonds, Linda Wzolek, Connie Conti, and John Wiltey and PTA president Jenn Williams. He extended a special thanks to the parents, "None of this would have happened without the help of your moms and dads."

Miss Jennifer Donovan delivered a special message to the fourth graders from State Senator Hugh Farley saying that they had been very polite and well-behaved on their visit to the state capital the day before. She then read a brief letter from Senator Farley.

Anne Cassidy's 5th and 6th Grade Chorus took the stage and skillfully delivered an eight-minute medley of familiar Disney tunes. The elder students were included in the festivities because they had been a part of the elementary school when the school made its dramatic improvement.

"Whenever you have a celebration, like a birthday, what is something you have?" asked Dr. Hoffman.

The entire auditorium erupted, "Cake!"

Following the ceremony, students stopped back in their schools to pick up a piece of Blue Ribbon School cake.

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