Chagrin Falls Middle School representatives were in Washington, D.C. on November 8 as U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona presided over the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Penczarski and Principal Laila Discenza accepted this prestigious recognition, one of just 356 schools nationwide to receive this honor.
The middle school was selected for its excellence in academic performance and stands among just 43 middle schools across the nation to earn this distinction in 2024. Of the 353 schools recognized nationally, 14 were from Ohio. Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce congratulated these 14 schools in a video that was played at the ceremony. “Congratulations on developing wonderful places for children to learn and grow,” he said. “Thank you for the great work you do.”
"This is an incredible honor for Chagrin Falls Middle School," said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Penczarski, Chagrin Falls Schools. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families. It reflects our commitment to the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan: promoting high-quality learning experiences and inspiring all to grow and thrive."
"Chagrin Falls Middle School is such a special place where we strive to build instructional connections, systems and meaningful, positive relationships," said Principal Laila Discenza, Chagrin Middle School. "Our high achievement roots in the foundation of belonging, value and collaboration in order for students to be most likely to succeed. I am beyond proud and excited that we have been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School as this prestigious honor reflects the hard work, dedication, and excellence that define us."
The school initially celebrated this recognition on September 23, when teachers and staff members enjoyed a celebratory lunch with blue ribbon cupcakes. The middle school entrance was decorated with blue lights, bows and pinwheels, and a banner was hung while a blue confetti cannon burst. On September 27, the 7th and 8th graders, along with the current 9th and 10th graders, wore blue and captured this momentous occasion with a picture at Harris Stadium, including the ringing of the victory bell.
Upon their return from Washington, D.C., the school plans to raise their newly received Blue Ribbon flag and will incorporate a recess dance party with blue cotton candy for all to enjoy.
This marks the second time Chagrin Falls Middle School has received this honor, having previously been recognized in 2010. The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools in two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates.
You can watch the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony here.
Pictured left to right: Aba Kumi, Director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in the U.S. Department of Education; Chagrin Falls Middle School Principal Laila Discenza, Chagrin Falls Schools; and Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Penczarski, Chagrin Falls Schools