Congratulating and honoring the Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander School for being recognized by the United States Department of Education as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.

WHEREAS, Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized great public and private schools throughout the United States, based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups; and

WHEREAS, The coveted National Blue Ribbon School Award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content; and

WHEREAS, The Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander School (Penn Alexander), serving 600 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is one of two schools in Philadelphia to receive the 2021 National Blue Ribbon School Award; and

WHEREAS, Penn Alexander is the result of a historic partnership between the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and the School District of Philadelphia to build a model university-assisted public school for students in West Philadelphia. This is the second Blue Ribbon designation for Penn Alexander, which also received the award in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Principal Lauren Overton, who has led Penn Alexander since 2020, has done an exemplary job setting the tone for a rigorous, supportive school environment. This is the second school under her leadership to receive a Blue Ribbon Award; she formerly served as principal at Meredith Elementary, which was awarded the Blue Ribbon designation in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia celebrates the achievements of Penn Alexander, and the model for achievement that it sets for schools around the City, the Commonwealth, and the country. The teachers, students, and staff at Penn Alexander should all take great pride in their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Hereby congratulates and honors the Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander School for winning the 2021 National Blue Ribbon School Award.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander School, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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