By Madina Toure
The U.S. Department of Education designated PS 244, The Active Learning Elementary School, as a Blue Ribbon School Tuesday morning.
PS 244, a pre-kindergarten to third grade school located at 137-20 Franklin Ave., has a rigorous academic curriculum that concentrates on social development, health and nutrition. It is one of 335 public and private schools in the United States that received the designation.
“We have been able to build a community of learners for both students and adults alike that makes TALES a truly special place,” Robert Groff, the school’s principal, said.
The National Blue Ribbon School program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or make significant improvements in closing the achievement gap.
“This is a tremendous achievement and it further illustrates the great work of the entire school team,” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said.
Each school will be formally recognized and presented with an award plaque and a flag at a special ceremony Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 in Washington, D.C.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
