Schools
Elementary School In Union Co. Earns 'Blue Ribbon' Award For 2022
This school is among nine in New Jersey, and 297 in the country, to receive this distinction.
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD, NJ — The William J. McGinn Elementary School in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District was recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School on Friday, Sept. 16.
The elementary school was recognized in the Exemplary High Performing category. This prestigious honor was awarded to 297 schools across the nation, including nine from New Jersey.
“We are honored to be amongst the nation’s top schools in earning this recognition,” said William J. McGinn Elementary School Principal Sasha Slocum. “Our school’s mission to provide ‘The Foundation to Grow, The Compassion to Give, The Imagination to Dream’ drives our work each day. McGinn students develop compassion for others, enthusiasm for diversity and the foundational skills to be independent learners, problem-solvers and thoughtful global citizens.”
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Superintendent Joan Mast celebrated the award Friday, saying the National Blue Ribbon School award is a reflection of the way McGinn’s teachers and staff help each student reach their potential for intellectual and personal growth.
“We are proud that the U.S. Department of Education recognized what we have always known: McGinn Elementary is a very special school that is providing exceptional support to students and their families,” Mast said. “My warmest congratulations to the McGinn school community and everyone who made this possible.”
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According to the district, McGinn recognizes that each student is unique and valued as an individual with varied abilities, aptitudes, interests need and potential for growth.
"A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school's entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning," the district stated.
With its 39th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.
“The number one strength of McGinn School is that our staff view our students as a family,” Slocum said.
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