With the school season just around the corner, it is notable that four Ramapo Central schools were named High Performing Reward Schools by the New York State Education Department.

Sloatsburg Elementary School teacher Millie Vega listens as fifth-grade students discuss their analysis of “Promises to Keep” during an Expeditionary Learning ELA unit on American athletes who broke societal barriers. / Photo courtesy Ramapo Central Schools

The designation goes to NY schools with the highest achievement in the state without significant gaps among student groups. Cherry Lane Elementary, Montebello Elementary, Sloatsburg Elementary and Suffern High School were all named High Performing Reward Schools in the Ramapo School District for 2013 by NY State Education Department on August 13.

“This recognition is a testament to the high quality of instruction and the Ramapo Central community’s steadfast support of our schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas S. Adams. “For the past three years, our principals have been working closely with their school communities to define clear goals, and then develop, implement, assess and refine research-based action plans.

Ultimately, all of this work drills down to meeting the needs of individual students,” Superintendent Adams said.

The designation marks the third consecutive year that Suffern High School and Cherry Lane Elementary School have achieved Reward School status. Cherry Lane was also named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2013.

According to NYSED, 354 of more than 4,800 schools statewide earned Reward School status.

“The fact that four Ramapo Central schools earned a High Performing designation affirms that our students are meeting rigorous grade-level expectations on par with those in the most competitive schools in the state, and that they are prepared to succeed in college and career,” said Dr. Adams.

Photo caption: Sloatsburg Elementary School teacher Millie Vega listens as fifth-grade students discuss their analysis of “Promises to Keep” during an Expeditionary Learning ELA unit on American athletes who broke societal barriers.