Bayside elementary schools P.S. 159 and P.S. 130 have been designated as Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools that are either high performing or have improved student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students. A total of 305 schools were given the award nationally.
“Both are receiving the award as a high performing school," says David Thomas, spokesperson, U.S. Department of Education. "They consistently perform at high levels on the N.Y. state assessments.”
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Both principals were understandably thrilled by the recognition.
“We are definitely honored to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education,” says Michelle Contratti, principal of P.S. 130. “The staff and community work very hard. It has been a group effort, including the students, teachers, parents and support staff. It shows recognition and appreciation for all the hard work we all do day-and day-out for our children.”
Contratti said that she is proud that her school was #1 in Queens for third grade ELA scores and tied for #1 in the state math scores for third grade in the 2009-2010 year. P.S. 130 is a pre-K to third grade school.
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P.S. 159 Principal Paul DiDio, who started as principal this year, gives credit to former Principal Marlene Zucker, who recently retired after 20 years of being principal in the school. “It’s a tremendous honor for the school to be viewed by the national government with a Blue Ribbon and it shows the hard work and dedication from the staff, parents and students,” says DiDio.
U.S. Representative Gary Ackerman “applauds” both principals. “As a former school teacher from Queens, I know how special this recognition is and how much hard work and dedication this took to achieve,” he continues. “This honor further exemplifies the outstanding standards that our local schools consistently attain and demonstrates that schools in our community are among the best in the City.”
Contratti acknowledges an obligation to continue the excellent work. She adds: “We feel a real commitment to living up to this honor and to making sure we continue to provide a foundation that our children need to be successful in the future.”