ADMINISTRATIVE

  The U.S. Department of Education has issued the 1999-2000
  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 middle and
  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 ensure a challenging curriculum
  and high-quality instructional programs. Further, there
  must be a strong commitment to educational excellence for
  all students.

  Division superintendents are invited to submit
  applications of middle and 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 1, 1999.

  The nomination packet is also available on the U.S.
  Department of Education's home page. The address of the
  Blue Ribbon Schools' home page is:
  http://www.ed.gov./gov/offices/OERI/BlueRibbon Schools/. 
  Schools can also access the home page by going to the
  U.S. Department of Education's home page at www.ed.gov/.
  Click on "Topics A-Z." Click on "B" for Blue Ribbon
  Schools.

  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.

  PDS/eh

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