CAS is honored to recognize Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson for winning New York State recognition as a New York State Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.
In addition to all the students, staff, and parents at each school, CAS extends special congratulations to:
Harborfields High School Principal, Dr. Philip Farrelly, Assistant Principals, Alison Joyce, Jennifer Maichin, Brian Suckle, and the entire Harborfields Leadership Team.
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal, Mr. John Ruggero, and the entire Vandermeulen Leadership Team.
Although the federal administration announced the discontinuation of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program in August, the New York State Board of Regents felt it important to recognize the outstanding effort and accomplishments of the educational institutions who would have ordinarily been designated an Exemplary High Performing School Blue Ribbon School.
At their November meeting, the Regents recognized Harborfields and Vandermeulen High Schools for:
- High academic performance and significant improvement in student achievement.
- Implementing innovative educational practices and programs.
- Fostering a positive school climate and strong community engagement.
- Effective leadership and collaboration among staff and stakeholders.
- Addressing the diverse needs of students through inclusive practices.
- Maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
From 1982 to 2024, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognized public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are evident in students’ levels of academic achievement. Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon School Award were recognized for their commitment to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized among their state’s highest-performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
New York State Assistant Department of Education Assistant Commissioner David Frank said, the schools “embody what’s best about New York education: academic excellence, innovation, equity and opportunity for every student.”
All of you know how rigorous and time-consuming the process of achieving this honor is, and could not be attained without the vision and skill of the principal to motivate the school staff, students and wider school community.
