On DVMS winning a national blue ribbon

The National Blue Ribbon Award was earned based on the cumulative efforts of many people working hard and working together. Dr. Candis Finan, superintendent of schools sets the tone of excellence in the Delaware Valley School District. Dr. Thomas Finan, director of secondary education provides support and encouragement to achieve our best and is always raising the bar. Dr. James Purcell, director of elementary education works closely with Dr. Margaret Schaffer, principal of Shohola Elementary School and Kimberly Butaitis, principal of Delaware Valley Elementary School developing and executing their plans for improving student achievement. The Delaware Valley School District Technology Director, Mrs. Gina Vives provides our students with the necessary technological tools to compete globally. District Special Education Director, Maria Farrell is a driving force in ensuring all students receive equal opportunity within the classrooms. These directors, principals, and elementary school teachers do a wonderful job preparing the students for the academic and social challenges students face in the middle school. Once in the Delaware Middle School, the students receive daily exposure to the best staff of teachers in the State of Pennsylvania! Their commitment to excellence is obvious and observed in their planning and delivery of a challenging curriculum. The connections made between teacher and student stretch well beyond the walls of the classroom. Many give additional time supporting students in a wide array of co-curricular programs. Our student athletes constantly lead on fields, tracks, and mats demonstrating good sportsmanship and leadership qualities. The music department and theater production teams are second to none providing entertaining concerts that would make everyone proud. Students are exposed to numerous clubs supported by the PTA. and our advisors that provide enjoyable opportunities to expand student interest areas. Mark McElroy, Delaware Valley Middle School assistant principal does an outstanding job providing administrative support to all staff and students. His knowledge of our students and his experience has proven invaluable to the success of this building. The Delaware Valley Middle School secretarial team, Patti Kiley, Sharon Eversdyke, and Cyndi Keegan deserves significant credit for the success of this operation. During the year they are often unrecognized for the continuous support they provide to administrators, teachers, students, and parents. It has always been my main goal to be the best middle school in the State of Pennsylvania. This award marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. Of the 5,541 public and private schools in Pennsylvania, only fourteen have earned National Blue Ribbon School recognition in 2010. It is just another example that when people come together and work hard towards achieving a common goal, there is nothing that they can’t do. Peter Ioppolo, the Proudest and Most Privileged Principal in the State Milford