Crofton public schools are a magnet for many families relocating to the DC-Baltimore-Annapolis triangle. And, with good reason… Many of our schools have been recognized on a County and State level for their excellence again this year:

• Crofton Meadows Elementary was named a 2012 Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the Maryland Department of Education after 100% of tested students scored proficient or advanced on math in the Maryland State Assessment Test and 99% of them scored proficient or advanced in reading.  According to the Maryland Department of Education, Crofton Meadows' teachers constantly assess their students, analyze the results, and use the data to drive and form instruction.

• Crofton Woods Elementary was named a 2012 Maryland Green School by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. This certification was earned through a two-year certification project during which the school established an effective, proactive environmental program that involved the community in becoming more environmentally conscious.  They integrated “green” thinking into every aspect of the school experience from staff professional development to community celebrations.

• Crofton Woods Elementary also received the Maryland School of Excellence in Arts Education Award from the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance Inc. (AEMS) for its outstanding efforts to incorporate the arts into their learning environment. You can view over 3,000 samples of Crofton Woods art projects online, along with a PDF that shows China art, painted rain barrels, shadow puppets, and symmetrical art projects. 

• A Nantucket Elementary parent received the Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award.  Ambareen Jafri was the statewide winner, after four years of service to Nantucket Elementary and the Anne Arundel County School System.  This busy mom, who speaks URDU, began her volunteer service to the school by translating for Indian and Pakistani students.

• South River High and Arundel High excel in the 2012 High School Challenge, which ranks schools and school systems nationwide based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and other college-level exams given to graduating seniors. South River is the top Anne Arundel County School, eighth in Maryland and 21st in the region.  Arundel ranked 8th in the County, 18th in Maryland and 49th in the region.

Also in the news...

Three schools in the greater Crofton Area have received funding for addtions and/or renovations:Crofton Middle ( $2.9 million for additions), Crofton Elementary ($1.4 million for renovations and additions) and Waugh Chapel Elementary in nearby Odenton ($784,000 for their gymnasium).

Posted originally at FocusOnCrofton.com