Seminole Middle earns national award

The school's application highlighted its programs for mentoring, music and intramurals, among others.

By WILMA NORTON

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 26, 2000

SEMINOLE -- Seminole Middle School is one of 198 middle schools and high schools in the country to receive the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School award for excellence. It is the first time in a decade that a Pinellas school has won the recognition.

"What a validation of their good work and commitment," said Area III Superintendent Cathy Athanson.

Principal Judy LeBoeuf said the award is a reflection on the entire Seminole community.

"I think it reaffirms how committed the parents and the community are to the education of the students, that they truly value high student achievement and are actively involved," she said. "We are so very fortunate because we do have that support."

To be selected, schools have to show that they are innovative and effective.

Schools that submit themselves for the award must do an extensive self-assessment that is supposed to involve students, parents, teachers, business leaders and other community representatives.

Seminole Middle's application highlights its music program, intramurals, Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students and the Integration of Mathematics and Science Technology programs for gifted students, and its dropout prevention program.

The school also pointed to its strong volunteer and mentoring programs, including one called 500 Role Models for African-American students and one in which female business executives work with career-minded girls.

Seminole Middle, with about 1,200 students, is 90 percent white and 6 percent African-American. About 15 percent of its students are considered low-income.

The school received a "B" grade by the state's grading system this year, but the mark had nothing to do with the Blue Ribbon award.

Nominations are evaluated by a national review panel. In March, an examiner spent two days at the school interviewing teachers, students, parents and other staff members, plus Athanson and Superintendent Howard Hinesley.

"She verified that we were doing what we said we were doing," LeBoeuf said.

The U.S. secretary of education makes the final choice on which schools will be honored. The winners were notified Monday.

Seven other schools in Florida were honored this year, including Berkeley Preparatory School and John A. Coleman Middle School, both in Tampa.

The award began in 1982 and has been given to about 3,500 schools.

Only five Pinellas public schools and one private school have received the designation. They are Dixie Hollins High, Largo Middle and St. Petersburg High for 1983-84; Azalea Middle and Clearwater Central Catholic for 1988-89; and Eisenhower Elementary for 1989-90.

Awards for middle and high schools are given in alternate years from awards for elementary schools.

Schools may reapply for Blue Ribbon designation five years after winning.

Three representatives of Seminole Middle School will attend an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in September.

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