The Soaring Heights Charter School in Jersey City was honored for being just one of 11 National Blue Ribbon Schools award recipients in New Jersey at a press conference this morning.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Soaring Heights Founder, Lead Person, and 8th grade teacher Jacqueline Quagliana explained they have always emphasized teacher management of the school, which has produced results that have now been acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education.
“This shared leadership style … allows staff to face problems together … It takes a sizable investment of resources, time, and hard work to maintain the academic excellence we have at Soaring Heights,” she said.
Quagliana added it is also conducive to a safe, calm learning environment, also asserting that small classroom sizes have contributed to their success.
“To become a blue ribbon school is very challenging. Teachers have challenges. Your hard work was not overlooked. Children are our future. We will always fight for education: Congratulations!” Council President Joyce Watterman declared.
Mayor Steven Fulop, also a Democratic candidate for governor, also gushed about the accolade for the charter school.
“Congratulations not only to the students, but the teachers for the work you have all done. There’s a constant conversation around education … in urban areas … and where charter schools fit in that,” he began, noting the school reflects the city’s diversity.
“Education has certainly become more complicated post-COVID. Catching students up, thinking about where they are in standards. National recognition in one of the only urban schools in the State of New Jersey achieving this really speaks to the hard work of the administration and, of course, the teachers and the teacher-run program.”
Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) also heaped praise upon the school.
“You’re never too young to teach. You’re never too old to learn. This is an amazing school. This school is one of the easiest things to believe in. Steve, you got your late slip today. We’ll give you a pass on the dress code,” he joked about him opting for a polo and slacks over a suit.
“We love you, and you’re a great advocate for education.”
O’Dea presented a resolution from the county congratulating the school on the award.
Speaking with HCV, he noted that Soaring Heights is one of the oldest New Jersey charter schools, founded by local educators in 1997 and is also currently the only unionized one.
“Soaring Heights is the only K to 8 school in Hudson County… to receive both the national blue ribbon award as well as the National ESEA Distinguished Schools award.”
O’Dea also noted banners for the school were placed around the city to recognize the honor.
“Congratulations to all the students, the teachers, the faculty, the parents. Everybody wants to send their kids to Soaring Heights. Keep up the good work!” Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-31) exclaimed.
She had a citation from the 31st Legislative District to present to the school.
Additionally, Brand Parrish, a senior aid to Gov. Phil Murphy (D), who last week praised all 11 schools to receive the award in a social media post, said they truly believe New Jersey “is the best state in the county for education.”
Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, who represents the area, also had a resolution from the city.
“A lot of times, if you come from an urban environment, they count you out. But Soaring Heights is an example of making sure our kids aren’t counted out. We have your backs. You can do anything you put your mind to,” she asserted.
“Everyone wants to get their kids into Soaring Heights. The phone calls I get!”
Soaring Heights 6th grade teacher Samantha Berman gave some context to what the award means to them.
“This reward not only reflects our academic achievements, but also the nurturing environment we have created together. One where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their fullest potential,” she began.
“This achievement is a collective triumph. When we come together as a community, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. Let us continue to innovate and inspire and strive for excellence in all that we do.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, flowers were presented to Founder Claudia Zuorick and other leading Soaring Heights teachers and staff.
The ceremony comes about a month after the Hoboken Public Schools touted the “Blue Ribbon School of Excellence” award from a private company (the Unit Charter School in Morristown and Jose Marte STEM Academy also received them).
This is not related to the U.S. Department of Education recognition in any way, prompting The Star-Ledger editorial board to call the designation “false advertising, and deeply misleading to parents.”