Freeport’s New Visions Celebrates
Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence Win

It was a sea of blue at Freeport’s New Visions School of Exploration and Discovery on November 2, as hundreds of children, staff and parents clad in blue ribbon tee-shirts celebrated their new national status of excellence in song and story.

The Freeport School District was informed several weeks ago that New Visions, its first Magnet School, had been selected as a 2006 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of high student performance. New Visions scored above both county and state averages and ranks among the top 10% in performance statewide. It is among only three schools being honored this year on Long Island.

Excited students greeted guests ranging from Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilwoman Angie Cullin and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric L. Eversley, to scores of parents and other well wishers.

“I share this honor with all of Freeport,” Principal Renee Crump told the audience gathered in the New Visions gymnasium. “What happens here, happens at every school in Freeport.”

All of the children of New Visions played a role in the often touching ceremonies. Third and fourth graders sang the school song and a new Song of Celebration: “Join our school in celebration… proud of our new designation. We are a blue ribbon school!” Kindergartners and first graders marched through the audience waving blue flags as the Freeport High School drum corps provided the stirring beat. Pairs of second graders presented each New Visions teacher with a blue carnation and the threesomes circled the room to the tune of “Unforgettable” and the sound of great applause.

Founding Principal Katherine Hynes was in the audience, as were founding teachers of New Visions, which began its history as Freeport’s first magnet school of choice more than a decade ago in leased space at Our Holy Redeemer School. It was only three years ago that New Visions moved to its present new building on Raynor Street.

“This is a celebration for New Visions, for all of our schools, and for the entire community,” said Dr. Eversley. “This is an outstanding, outstanding accomplishment. Thank you, New Visions.”