The 2001-2002 nomination package for the Blue Ribbon Schools Program is now available from the U. S. Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to identify and give public recognition to outstanding public and private middle and high schools across the United States. For a school to receive Blue Ribbon School status, school leaders must demonstrate strong leadership and an effective working relationship among all members of the school community. The school climate should ensure a challenging curriculum and a high-quality instructional program. Further, there must be a strong commitment to educational excellence for all students.

Superintendents are invited to submit applications of middle and high schools in their divisions to be considered for nomination to the Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Schools nominated should be those that demonstrate the characteristics specified above.

A copy of the application to participate in the Blue Ribbon Schools Program is on the U. S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School Web site in both a Word and a PDF file at:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/BlueRibbonSchools/apply.html

Even though the application is downloaded from the U. S. Department of Education’s Web site, applications must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by 5 p.m. on September 28, 2001. Applications sent by U.S. Mail should be addressed to Mr. Vernon L. Wildy, associate director for secondary instructional services, Virginia Department of Education, P. O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218-2120. For

FedEx and UPS deliveries, please use the following address: Mr. Vernon Wildy, associate director for secondary instructional services, Virginia Department of Education, 101 N. 14th St., Richmond, VA 23219. Schools interested in submitting an application should make Mr. Wildy aware of their intentions as early as possible.

If you have questions, please contact Vernon L. Wildy,

(mailto:vwildy@pen.k12.va.us), at (804) 225-2877.

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