Pearl River Middle School To Celebrate National Honor

The U.S. Department of Education announced that Pearl River Middle School is a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Sept. 15.

The school will celebrate that honor with a ceremony 9:30 a.m. Monday, raising its school of excellence flag in front of students, faculty and guests at the flagpole in front of the middle school building. The event is open to the public and all are asked to wear blue.

Pearl River Middle School was the only one from Rockland County among the 256 public schools (305 total) recognized nationally. Principal Maria Paese and teacher Cathy Gallagher received the school's flag and plaque at a ceremony earlier this month hosted by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Pearl River Middle School was the only school in Rockland County and one of 256 public and 49 private schools recognized nationwide this year as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. Maria Paese, principal, and Cathy Gallagher, teacher, attended a ceremony hosted by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan earlier this month where they accepted the school’s flag and a plaque.

The awards are given to schools either for overall academic excellence or for their ability to close achievement gaps. The New York State Education Department nominated Pearl River Middle School for placing in the top 10 percent on state standardized tests. 

The Pearl River Board of Education recognized the middle school's accomplishment at its meeting Sept. 27.