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Meng: Federal Government Designates Queens School as Blue Ribbon School

September 29, 2015

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that the United States Department of Education has designated P.S. 244 in Flushing as a Blue Ribbon School.

P.S. 244, known as The Active Learning Elementary School (TALES), was awarded the designation this morning by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

"Naming P.S. 244 as a Blue Ribbon School is great news," said Meng. "This is a tremendous achievement and it further illustrates the great work of the entire school team. I'm extremely proud of P.S. 244's Principal Robert Groff and all of the school's students, teachers and staff. Congratulations to each and every one of them on achieving this great national honor!"

"Thank you to the Secretary of Education for recognizing P.S. 244 as a Blue Ribbon School," said Principal Robert Groff. "This clearly illustrates the hard work of our staff and families each day. We have been able to build a community of learners for both students and adults alike that makes TALES a truly special place. We hope to continue the success we have had since opening in 2008 and look forward to excelling in the future."

The National Blue Ribbon School program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

P.S. 244 is a PreK to 3 school that features a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on social development, and a focus on health and nutrition. It is among only 335public and private schools from across the country that received the Blue Ribbon designation today.

On November 9 and 10, representatives from each school – including P.S. 244 – will be formally recognized at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the event, each school will be presented with an award plaque and a flag as symbols of their accomplishments.

P.S. 244 is located at 137-20 Franklin Avenue.