WEST ORANGE, NJ - The United States Department of Education announced on Sept. 16 that Redwood Elementary was named a 2022 Blue Ribbon School, along with eight other schools in NJ and 297 schools nationwide.

Said US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”  

The strict criteria required to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Redwood Principal Kimya Jackson made the emotional announcement to students and staff on the school lawn following the official confirmation at 10 am. The road to achieving Blue Ribbon status was one that took several years and the help of teachers, staff, students, parents and former principals.

Students celebrated with a dance party as a National Blue Ribbon banner was unrolled.  

(L-R) Clerical aide Sarita Olaechea, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eveny de Mendez, Principal Kimya Jackson, Interim Superintendent Dr. Lauren Schoen,  Director of Special Services Kristen Gogerty-Fitzgerald, Director of Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion Dr. Tamika Pollins, Business Administrator Tonya Flowers, Executive Director of Personnel and Special Projects Joseph Vespignani, Administrative Assistant Dayna Martinez.