U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized Friday 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona made the announcement during his Road to Success Back to School bus tour.
New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science II (AMS II), located in the South Bronx, is honored as an “Exemplary High-Performing School” among New York state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. AMS II is one of just nine high schools in New York state, and the only public high school in New York City honored this year.
“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 National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.
“We are excited and honored to be named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Principal Sandy Manessis of Advanced Math & Science II. “AMS II takes the time to get to know each of our students and provides them with an incredible amount of care while setting and maintaining high expectations. From the moment our students walk through the door, they are welcomed by numerous staff members, seen as individuals, and supported by dedicated grade level teams that promote their personal, academic, and socio-emotional growth.”
AMS II serves more than 500 students in grades 9-12. In June 2022, AMS II graduated 98.6% of its students, and has graduated more than 93% of its students every year since its first graduating class, making it among the highest-achieving public high schools in New York City. Students have extensive college and career preparation opportunities through Advanced Placement classes, College Now courses, and partnerships with organizations like Per Scholas and First Workings that provide students with work-based learning experiences.
“AMS II has worked tirelessly to ensure that each student has the opportunity and support necessary to succeed. In the midst of an exceptionally difficult period of time for public schools and the students they serve, the recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School validates the hard work and commitment of the students, staff, and community of AMS II,” said Edgar Rodriguez, superintendent of New Visions Charter High Schools.
“New Visions is so proud to support the students, staff, and community of AMS II, and pleased that the school is receiving this well-deserved honor. We learn from AMS II in New Visions’ work as a school support organization, and we are glad this recognition highlights the school as one others can learn from as well,” said New Visions President Mark Dunetz.
For more information above AMS II, please visit: https://www.newvisions.org/
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