Panasonic National School Change Awards

Bergen County Technical School's Paramus Campus was recently named a national award winner in the Panasonic National School Change Awards. This prestigious award was presented to the school on July 13th, 2009 at a ceremony held at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. The Panasonic National School Change Awards is the only award of its kind in the nation because it recognizes schools that have significantly changed.  Between 2000 and 2008, 665 schools from 44 states have been nominated for the prestigious award. Responding to 16 criteria, each nominated school provides data and documentation to support its case. Award winners are selected in the spring of each academic year, with 24 finalists and six top schools gaining national recognition.  The award package to each of the six winning schools consists of ceremony conducted at its school, Panasonic products and cash prizes valued at more than $5000.00, subsidized participation of the school's principal at the Annual National Principals Leadership Institute in New York City and participation in a major national research project focusing on school change. 

The Paramus campus of Bergen County Technical Schools was recognized as being "remarkably different" then it was six years ago. At that time, the school was uncertain as to its mission as a special needs school. It was fighting the stigma of being labeled a "special ed school" which formed a negative mindset in the students. This negativity was a huge obstacle for teachers trying to encourage them to reach higher. Spearheaded by a dedicated, motivated and energetic faculty, a transformation began to take shape. The success is not only measured by the continued rise in performance on state mandated tests, but in the feeling of positive energy that is felt in the classroom during classroom discussions. The Panasonic National School Change Award recognized the Paramus campus standing tall in achieving  what other schools and teachers are not able or unwilling to do. The Paramus campus ensures that every student will learn regardless of educational challenges or obstacles.