The Hoboken Public School District receives National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award
First District in New Jersey to Have All Schools Earn the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award
Hoboken, NJ – Thursday August 15, 2024 – The Hoboken Public School District has been informed by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) organization, that through its national assessment process Hoboken High School, Hoboken Middle School, Joseph F. Brandt Elementary School, Thomas G. Connors Elementary School, and Wallace Elementary School have met the criteria to receive the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award, the highest award given by the BRSE organization. This achievement makes the Hoboken Public School District the first in New Jersey to have every school recognized as National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools and to be named a 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse District.
The BRSE national assessment process evaluates schools across the following key performance areas to earn this prestigious award: Student Focus and Support, School Organization and Culture, Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, Professional Community, Leadership and Educational Vitality, and School-Family-Community Partnerships.
In addition, all five of the Hoboken Public Schools met indicators of both academic achievement and growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics, using quantitative data points from various local, state, and national assessments. The comprehensive review also included stakeholder surveys and interviews. A Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence representative and former NASSP National Principal of the Year, Jayne Ellspermann, visited classrooms in each school, surveyed stakeholders, and interviewed students, parents, and faculty.
Dr. Judy Warden Fields, CEO of Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, applauds the Hoboken Public School District and its schools for their courage, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence in ensuring all students receive the education they deserve. Every one of the district’s schools exemplified readiness and professionalism during the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence validation process and demonstrated best-practice models during each visit. This recognition by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence affirms the commitment of the Hoboken School District’s teachers, support staff members, service providers, and principals who have worked diligently to meet the diverse learning needs of students and create a safe and welcoming school environment.
Awards will be presented to Principals Robin Piccapietra, Ryan Sorafine, Charles Bartlett, Martin Shannon, and Juliana Addi at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference, set to be held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The presentation will take place during the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Additionally, Superintendent Christine Johnson has been invited to speak and conduct a workshop session at the conference, which annually attracts educational leaders from over 40 states.
Designation as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School spans from 2024-2029, after which each of the district’s schools will be eligible for renewal of this recognition. Hoboken High School, Hoboken Middle School, Brandt Elementary School, Connors Elementary School, and Wallace Elementary School will commit to sharing their expertise and practices with local and national peers, as well as providing mentorship to schools seeking assistance in school improvement initiatives.
About Blue Ribbon Schools
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) is a non-profit 501©3 organization that has been serving schools across the nation since 2001. The organization is passionate about education and wants schools to be the very best for students. The BRSE one-of-a-kind assessment process and surveys provide actionable insights that can be used as the starting point for school improvement. Their comprehensive approach to helping schools includes professional development and support, best practice sharing, conferences and networking. They do everything possible to create a path forward for all schools and all kids. Visit blueribbonschools.com for more details.