P.S. 46 Celebrates Being Designated a Blue Ribbon School

P.S. 46 had a case of the blues this week as students, teachers and parents celebrated the Bayside school’s recently being recognized with a prestigious national award.

The school, located at 64-45 218th St., was named by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 2013’s Blue Ribbon schools. Little Neck’s P.S. 221 also received the honor.

Students and teachers joined local elected officials for a ceremony Friday morning in the school auditorium to celebrate the award.

“This is a tremendous achievement,” state Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, told the crowd at the ceremony. “Every year, schools throughout the country are chosen to be Blue Ribbon schools. But only a few are chosen in the city of New York.”

Avella presented the school with a state Senate resolution, while Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, as well as state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, D-Fresh Meadows, and state Sen. Toby Stavisky, D-Whitestone, presented plaques and proclamations.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, and city Comptroller Scott Stringer also attended the event.

The school held a five-day celebration this week known as “P.S. 46 Blue Out Week” after having been named a Blue Ribbon school in September.

During the ceremony, students wearing blue shirts sang tunes about the award to the tune of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Eye of the Tiger.”

Fifth graders gave testimonials as to whey they believed the school received the award and several students gave flowers to Principal Marsha Goldberg.

The school’s drama club presented a skit titled “Search for the National Blue Ribbon Award.”

 “It’s exciting for you to get nationally honored for something we’ve all known a long time – this is a very special place,” Weprin said. “It’s about time the school got recognized.”

Anita Saunders, schools superintendent for District 26, said she believed P.S. 46 received the honor as the result of its hardworking students, staff, parents and leadership.

“In this school, everyone works hard all the time, but it’s also a school with feelings and love,” she said. “That’s another piece of its greatness. This is a home away from home.”