Northeast Elementary School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023. The recognition is based the school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.

“Congratulations to the principal and staff of Northeast Elementary School,” says Jeffrey S. Blank, Superintendent of Schools. “This type of recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication we are putting into our schools all over the county and the entire community.”

Northeast Elementary School received a nomination in the category for Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. This category recognizes schools as those among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

Nominated schools are required to complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement:

“Northeast Elementary School welcomes all students pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Our school is located in Cumberland, a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland. Home of the Roadrunners, our students uniquely feed two secondary schools known to be one of the biggest football rivalries in the state. Our students are afforded many opportunities to compete with and often against one another in youth activities, giving them the chance to build a stronger sense of school community.

We use data to drive our school and create purposeful and content-rich events that engage and support our families' needs. Relationships with local schools, universities, and community partners are vital to ensure our students are receiving a well-rounded education. For example, the University of Maryland extension office facilitates health and nutrition lessons that teach our students the importance of healthy habits. This program also affords the opportunity for students to be exposed to and taste a variety of foods that support child development.

Northeast staff ensures students' academic success and social well-being are prioritized to meet the needs of the whole child. It is important for our school to identify student barriers that can be dismantled through direct, explicit, and intentional instruction. Our school strives to empower all stakeholders to develop meaningful connections and relationships that cultivate a sense of belonging and unity.”

“I am extremely proud of our faculty, staff, students, and parents for achieving this recognition,” says Daniel Clark, Principal of Northeast Elementary School. “I commend all members of our school community for the level of support given to our students, as they work diligently every day to achieve their goals. We strive to help every child grow socially and academically in order to achieve his/her greatest potential.”