(above, l-r) Linden Public Schools leaders and staff celebrate the selection of School No. 5 as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020. Pictured are Director of Science Michael Walters, Director of Secondary Language Arts Dr. Patricia Tartivita, Board of Education member Marianthe Manganello, School No. 5 teachers Kayla Miller, Jayme Perezluha and Julie Siegel, School No. 5 Principal Laura Scamardella, Assistant Superintendent Denise Cleary, Board of Education members Doris Johnson, Tracey Birch and Ahmed Shehata, and teacher and former instructional coach Michael Pekosz.
Linden School No. 5 Honored as National Blue Ribbon School
Submitted by Gary Miller
School No. 5 in Linden has been selected to join the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, a coveted designation from the U.S. Department of Education that celebrates excellent schools and effective educators.
Faculty and staff were surprised with the good news on Thursday, September 24. The news was broadcast from the USDOE to the School No. 5 gym, where teachers, administrators, community leaders, and news media were gathered. Those in attendance cheered when School No. 5’s name came on the screen.
School No. 5, an elementary school that houses Grades Pre-K through 5, was chosen in the “Exemplary High Performing School” category based on a combination of state assessment data, student growth scores, absenteeism rates, and graduation rate. It is one of 367 schools in the nation and one of just nine schools from New Jersey selected for 2020.
“I am privileged and humbled to be the leader of such an outstanding academic institution,” said Principal Laura Scamardella, who has been at the helm for five years. “This award is a testament of the outstanding educators, families, and students that create the School No. 5 community. It is through the strong partnership that we have with our community that continues to allow us to strive for nothing less than the excellence that our students and families deserve. This is a monumental accomplishment and I am honored to serve my community proudly each day.”
She thanked teachers Julie Siegel, Kayla Miller, and Jayme Perezluha for serving on the application committee. “We couldn’t have accomplished this journey without them,” Scamardella said.
During the nearly year-long selection process, school and district administrators completed a lengthy application with information about student engagement, community outreach, teacher support, school leadership, strategies for academic success, as well as a host of data on curriculum and instruction, attendance, staff size, and demographics.
“Today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Education naming School No. 5 as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School is a testament to the hard work and fortitude of the entire staff at School No. 5,” said Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton. “When I first met Ms. Scamardella, she spoke so highly of her staff and the exceptional work they were doing with their children, I knew right away that she was a rock star! I look forward to celebrating with students and staff on November 12th, when they will participate in the official ceremony.
“This prestigious award is not only a win for School No. 5 but the entire Linden Public Schools community.”
School No. 5 will receive a plaque and flag to display showing off the accomplishment and will celebrate virtually with national officials in November.
Blue Ribbon Schools nationwide are a diverse group but share core elements of effective schools.
“Their leaders not only articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards, they stay close to the real action of teaching and learning,” according to the program’s website. “Mutual respect and trust run deep in their cultures. Faculty are supported by mentoring and professional development and have time to coordinate their work. Data from many sources drive adaptations to support every student. Families and educators work together in trust.”
School No. 5 received a letter of congratulations after the announcement from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
“Congratulations on your recognition as a 2020 Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School!” she wrote. “The U.S. Department of Education acknowledges your students’ success as an inspiring example of how teachers, parents, and community leaders can work together to help students prepare for what comes next. I commend you for striving to do what’s right for your students and to personalize instruction to meet your students’ unique needs and strengths. Thank you for what you do to help your students realize their potential and achieve their dreams.”
School No. 5 is home-away-from-home to about 300 students. In the 2019-20 school year, it was certified by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Future Ready school.
Photos by Linden Public Schools
(above) Laura Scamardella, second from right, principal at School No. 5 in Linden, credited teachers Jayme Perezluha, Julie Siegel, and Kayla Miller with completing the rigorous application process to become a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020.
(above) Linden Board of Education President Gregory R. Martucci, School No. 5 Principal Laura Scamardella, Linden Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marnie Hazelton, and Assistant Superintendent Denise Cleary celebrate School No. 5’s honor as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020.
(above) Those in attendance in the School No. 5 gym in Linden on Thursday, September 24, cheered when the school’s name appeared on the screen as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020.
