The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

LAKE MAGDALENE - Hillel School was one of two schools in Hillsborough County to receive blue-ribbon status this year.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced last week that 320 schools nationally were named 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools. The award spotlights public and private schools for academic achievement.

Hillel is a private Jewish school on Fletcher Avenue. It serves elementary and middle school students under Head of School Amy Wasser.

The only other area school to receive recognition was Bevis Elementary, a public school in Lithia.

Up to 413 schools can be nominated for the blue ribbon award, based on the number of students and schools in each state. Schools then submit applications.

Schools must meet one of two requirements, according to the Department of Education. At least 40 percent of students classified as disadvantaged must show dramatic improvement on state tests. Schools can also qualify if their students from any background achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or, for private schools, in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally normed tests.

Schools also must make adequate yearly progress in reading and math on the federal report card.

A ceremony will take place on Oct. 20 and 21 in Washington, D.C. Schools will receive plaques and a blue ribbon flag.

Courtney Cairns Pastor