P.S. 172 recognized for achievement
Of the five New York City schools declared 2011 Blue RibbonSchools this year, only one was in Brooklyn – P.S. 172 BeaconSchool of Excellence in Sunset Park.
The news, announced during the second week of school by U.S.Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, brought a flurry ofcongratulations to the Main Office doorstep, but long-timeprincipal Jack Spatola told The Home Reporter that whilethe Blue Ribbon designation is a welcome honor, it is not asurprise.
When you’re in a culture of celebrating learning, [achievement]is part and parcel of how you think, said Spatola, describing howthe school’s focus on working with parents to provideindividualized attention and education for each student means thatbeing the very best you can, whether you are labeled gifted,talented or facing the challenge of a learning disability issimply part of a belief that every child can succeed and can offersomething unique.