School receives federal honor

STAR LAKE — The Clifton-Fine Central School District has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its high-performing elementary school.

Federal officials announced Thursday that the elementary school was among 304 public and private schools in the state to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School.

"It's extremely exciting," said Susan O. Shene, elementary school principal. "We're the first school in St. Lawrence County to be nominated and to actually win the award."

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools for high achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students.

She said the approximately 190-student elementary school's success is remarkable given that the district's poverty rate is 60 percent.

"Our Blue Ribbon designation is the result of about six years now of dedicated staff development based on test analysis, curriculum mapping, and on making sure that every student succeeds," Mrs. Shene said. "We've made a concerted effort to make sure everyone can learn."

Mrs. Shene credited a supportive community, small class sizes and dedicated staff for students' high test scores.

"We were nominated by the state," Mrs. Shene said. "They recognized us from test data and socioeconomic data. Someone recognized our hard work and dedication to student success. That's even more rewarding."

"The staff here work very hard to give every student the benefit of a first-rate education," said Vito L. Testone, interim superintendent. "It's nice to be recognized in that classification."

Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, congratulated the school in a statement Friday.

"It is critical to the future success of the region that our schools continue to excel and prepare their students for their future, and that is exactly what Clifton-Fine Elementary has done here," Mr. Owens said.