Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined Big Tree Elementary School Principal Joanne Saniewski, Frontier Central School District Superintendent Ronald DeCarli, and Big Tree Elementary teachers, students and staff to recognize the school for being named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Congratulations to the administrators, teachers, students and parents of Big Tree Elementary for this extraordinary achievement,” said Congressman Higgins.  “A strong, first-class education that promotes excitement for lifelong learning provides our children with unlimited opportunities as they grow to be the next generation of leaders.  This well-deserved national recognition demonstrates Big Tree Elementary’s outstanding commitment to educational excellence.”

Established in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. 

Principal Saniewski and a teacher from Big Tree Elementary will be invited by Education Secretary Duncan to attend an award ceremony in Washington, DC this November.  At the event, each Blue Ribbon school will receive a Blue Ribbon School Plaque and a flag to signify the achievement. 

Only 314 schools nationwide and 19 in New York State were selected for the distinction. Big Tree Elementary was the only school in Erie County recognized this year.

Just over 600 students attend Big Tree, which includes Kindergarten through fifth grades.