CLEVELAND, OSWEGO CO. -- A local elementary school is in the national spotlight.
Cleveland Elementary School is one 304 elementary schools across the country to receive a 2010 Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Principal Michael Eiffe says the award recognizes improvements in math and english scores over a three year period. Eiffe says hard work by teachers and students combined with support from the community are the keys to the schools success.
"The community is proud. Their proud not only of education but they value what is best for their kids and is best for kids is giving them a success story," he says.
Eiffe says many of Cleveland Elementary School's students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds but that doesn't stop the school from believing in the potential of each and every student to succeed.
"Economic disadvantages are a hurdle, but they are not an indicator that a child can't learn or a community can't succeed," he says.
Cleveland will hold a parade and flag raising ceremony Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to recognize the school's achievement.
Locally, Alton B. Parker School in Cortland, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School in Seneca Falls, Cleveland Elementary School in Cleveland, Clinton Street School in West Seneca and Memorial Park Elementary School in Waterville are also on the list of Blue Ribbon Award winners. The list includes 254 public and 50 private schools.
