Two schools in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) said today.

              “There are few investments we can make in our society that pay higher dividends than the education of our children,” said Smith.  “I am thrilled that two of the 15 Blue Ribbon Schools in New Jersey are located in the Fourth Congressional District.”

             The two schools being recognized for overall academic excellence or their progress in demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels are H. W. Mountz Elementary School in Spring Lake and Holy Cross Elementary School in Rumson.

            Smith said representatives from each school will be invited to Washington, D.C. for the Nov. 9-10 Recognition Ceremony, at which each school will receive a National Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag to signify its status.

            “I think the parents, staff and especially the students should be proud of this designation,” Smith said. “Hard work pays off. It’s certainly something to brag about.”

            The H. W. Mountz School is a public elementary school that provides a challenging educational environment for its 212 students in Pre-K through eighth grade. The average class size of 17, together with in-class support and other extra-help programs, offers a comprehensive instructional delivery system to meet the children’s educational needs.

              Holy Cross Elementary School is a parish school that draws students from 20 towns in Monmouth County. The school is part of a Catholic community that stresses the importance and value of a Catholic education. There are approximately 390 students in Pre-K through eighth grade attending the school which dates back to a one-room school house established on the grounds of Holy Cross Parish in 1894. 

            The Blue Ribbon Schools were unveiled today by U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who recognized 335 public and private schools across the country as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015.

              Through the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program the U. S. Department of Education has been seeking out and celebrating great American schools which demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels. More than 7,500 of schools across the country have been presented with this coveted award since its inception in 1982. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

            The list of all 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be available on the U. S. Department of Education’s website at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.

            Congressman Smith, who represents New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, has offices in Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  For more information call (732) 780-3035 or (609) 585-7878.         

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