ADMINISTRATIVE

  The U.S. Department of Education has issued the 1997-98
  nomination package for the Blue Ribbon School Program. The
  purpose of the program is to identify and give public
  recognition to outstanding public and private secondary
  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 be one that is safe, orderly, purposeful, and
  conducive to learning. The school should ensure a
  challenging curriculum and high-quality instructional
  program. Further, there must be strong commitment to
  educational excellence for all students.

  Division superintendents are invited to submit applications
  of secondary 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 enclosed. Division superintendents may
  reproduce the application in the quantities needed.
  Applications must be postmarked no later than October 3,
  1997.

  Applications for locally nominated schools will be screened
  by a panel of educators outside of the Department of
  Education. Schools selected by the panel will be visited
  prior to the final selection for nomination to the U. S.
  Department of Education.

  For further information, please contact Vernon L. Wildy at
  the Virginia Department of Education, P. O. Box 2120, 101 N.
  Fourteenth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120; (804) 225-2877.
  Application packets should also be sent to this
  address.


  RTL/eh

  Enclosure:   A hard copy of this memo and its enclosure
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.