* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Rawlings-Blake, Councilmembers Conaway, Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Congratulations to Western High School # 407 - A 2009 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
FOR the purpose of congratulating the students, teachers, and administrators of Western High School on receiving the honor of being designated a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, applauding the students and parents on their commitment to education, and commending the teachers, para-professionals, and administrators for their continuing efforts in the pursuit of academic excellence.
body
Recitals
On September 15, 2009, the U.S. Education Secretary announced that Western High School, the nation's oldest all-female public high school in the country, is one of the nation's 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools, a program that honors public and private schools that demonstrate sustained academic excellence or dramatic student achievement gains among disadvantaged students.
In announcing the honor, the Baltimore City Schools CEO stated: "This award is a reflection of an entire school community's tremendous efforts and success over time. My sincere congratulations go out to Principal Eleanor Matthews and her extraordinary staff and students. Western's place among the nation's top schools is also the latest evidence of our students' great potential and the growing range of rich academic opportunities for students at our schools."
"What an honor to be named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! This award, along with the Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, recognizes and validates the great work of Western's students, staff, parents, and community, and it acknowledges Western's place among the top schools in our nation," said Ms. Matthews.
Western High was also named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School in December 2008, and was cited at the time by the Maryland State Department of Education for its high pass rates on the state High School Assessment (HSA) in both reading (99%) and math (98%), and for the fact that all Western graduates won admission to four year colleges and universities. Of Western's students, 44% are economically disadvantaged. The school also made U.S. News & World Report's 2008 annual America's Best High Schools list last year.
Western is one of approximately 300 public and private schools across the country being honored for academic excellence and major student achievement gains this year. Western's award brings to 6 the total number of Baltimore City public schools to receive the national distinction since its inception in 1982 - 3 of them in the last 3 years. Included in this exemplary category in addition to Western are Baltimore School for the Arts, Patapsco Elementary School, Baltimore City College, George Washington Elementary School, and Cecil Elementary School. To qualify, schools must first be recognized as Blue Ribbon schools at the state level.
The state and national recognition of the excellence being achieved by our Baltimore City Schools proves the veracity of the Baltimore City Public School System slogan: Great Kids, Great Schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Body congratulates the students, teachers, and administrators of Western High School on receiving the honor of being designated a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, applauds the students and parents on their commitment to education, and commends the teachers, para-professionals, and administrators for their continuing efforts in the pursuit of academic excellence.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the CEO of Baltimore City Schools, the Principal of Western High School, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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