Croton-Harmon High School Earns Prestigious Recognition as a
2022 National Blue Ribbon School
Croton-on-Hudson, NY, September 16, 2022 - The Croton-Harmon School District is proud to announce that Croton-Harmon High School is among just 297 schools nationwide to be named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. The announcement was made today by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona.
Every year since 1982, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized and awarded public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. According to the US Department of Education, the National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. CHHS is among the less than one percent of public schools nationwide that received the honor this year; the recognition for CHHS joins Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School and Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School who received the award in previous years.
“On behalf of the district, we are extremely proud that Croton-Harmon High School has been named a Blue Ribbon School, and we thank our incredible high school team for all they do on behalf of students each and every day,” said Superintendent Stephen Walker.
“Most CHHS students complete their entire education within our school district, where the curriculum and experiences embody the skills and personal qualities outlined in the Profile of a Croton-Harmon Graduate. As they advance within the district, students hone their critical-thinking and communication skills, as well as their creativity and adaptability, and this recognition for CHHS reflects upon the success and tremendous efforts of our school district as a whole,” he continued.
The Croton-Harmon School District is committed to ensuring that all students will develop habits to help them become lifelong learners who assume responsibility for their own learning and behavior and are able to contribute to the well-being of society. To facilitate this goal, CHHS offers a number of opportunities for its students, including a unique course called P.A.S.S. (Personal and Academic Skills Seminar) that focuses on social-emotional skills, academic success, and navigating the transition to high school and beyond. In addition, as a culminating high school experience, Seniors participate in the CHOOSE (Croton-Harmon Options and Opportunities for a Senior Experience) Program where they engage in a full time internship to extend their thinking beyond the classroom and explore possible career interests.
CHHS offers a breadth of course options and extracurriculars for all students. An important aspect of CHHS is its emphasis on ensuring that all students have the opportunity to be successful. In pursuit of this, CHHS’s Flexible Support Program creates an environment for any student with short or long term social, emotional, or medical needs that is personalized for each individual student.
“At CHHS, creating a space where students feel seen, safe, and supported in every way is extremely important to us,” stated CHHS Principal Dr. Laura Dubak. “Our FLEX Program is a hallmark of what makes us an excellent school for all students, not just some, as we support students throughout their educational journey. We appreciate that the Department of Education recognized these critical programs in naming us as a 2022 Blue Ribbon School.”
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”
The district looks forward to attending an award ceremony that will be held by the U.S. Department of Education on November 3 and 4, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
