4 LI schools honored by Education Dept.

Four Long Island schools made the grade Thursday and were recognized as Blue Ribbon schools by the U.S. Department of Education, a distinction that local educators attributed to efforts aimed at building student character and fostering individual academic attention.

Honored were W.T. Clarke Middle School in the East Meadow school district, Willets Road School in the East Williston school district, Oldfield Middle School in Harborfields school district, and Forest Park Elementary School in the Half Hollow Hills district.

"We truly believe in educating the heart as well as the mind," said Clarke Principal Stacy Breslin. "Our motto, 'Clarke Cares,' is not just simply words -- it is played out every day." At Clarke, students participated in the Penny Harvest Club, collecting coins to contribute to needy causes. Students at the school's kitchen club donated homemade baked goods to a local soup kitchen.

Nationwide, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 305 schools Thursday as 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence or for closing achievement gaps. These 256 public and 49 private schools will be honored in Washington, D.C., Nov. 14 and 15. Each school receives a plaque and a flag.

"It means we have our priorities in the right place. The decisions we make are always in the best interest of children," said Joanne Giordano, principal of Oldfield Middle School. School officials provide extensive training for teachers and identify goals each academic year. Educators use data to analyze gaps in the curriculum so teachers can be trained to address areas that need improvement.

Willets Road School Principal Stephen Kimmel said his school, which educates nearly 400 students in grades 5, 6 and 7, uses a sound learning program "that meets the needs of all learners, regardless of learning abilities."

Forest Park Principal Ross Diener said, "We really get the children to think, and to think beyond the box."

Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.