Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary Celebrates its Recognition as a 2007 Nationally Acclaimed Blue Ribbon School

In recognition of its excellence, the Department of Education named Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary a 2007 Nationally Acclaimed Blue Ribbon School on October 3, 2007. One of only 13 schools in Pennsylvania and one of only 287 in the country, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy is now one of the select K-8 private schools to be chosen for this award of merit. On Tuesday, November 13, 2007, school principal and vice-principal, Sister Anne Crampsie and Mrs. Kathleen O'Neill, were presented with the Blue Ribbon award by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, Raymond Simon at a ceremony in Arlington, VA.

On November 21st, the students and faculty at Gwynedd-Mercy Academy started boosting school spirit for their Blue Ribbon celebration when they spelled out G..M..A.. in the school parking lot. Drawing the G..M..A.. outline was a project of the 8th grade algebra class. The students had calculated the average size of each student and then determined the height and width of the letters required to fit in over 500 GMA students and faculty.

The following week, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy celebrated at a school-wide celebration. Guest speakers at the November 29th celebration included Ms. Kelly Colvin, the Region III representative from the U.S. Department of Education, Ms. Mary Rochford, the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Services for the Office of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Ms. Kate Harper, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mr. Ed Brandt, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Lower Gwynedd Township, and Mrs. Mary Jeanne Broderick, Chairperson, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Board of Trustees.

In order to be considered for nomination as a nationally acclaimed Blue Ribbon school, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy students had to achieve at the highest levels, that is, in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-normed standardized tests. Other criteria, including a world languages curriculum for grades K-8, faculty profiles and curriculum and instruction methods were also considered. This honor is the result of collaborative and enduring efforts among the faculty, staff, and all the members of Gwynedd-Mercy's school community to focus on the commitment to excellence.

Links:

http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2007/index.html

Click here to read the November 28, 2007 article in the Ambler Gazette

Click here to read the November 30, 2007 article in The Reporter

Click here to read the December 9, 2007 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer