Barrington Public Schools received some great news this week: Hampden Meadows School has earned the distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School.

The honor is based on the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence national validated assessment process. Hampden Meadows achieved the criteria set in nine performance areas: student focus and support, school organization and culture, challenging standard and curriculum, active teaching and learning, technology and integration, professional community, leadership and education vitality, school and community partnerships, and indicators of success.

Hampden Meadows School Principal Gino Sangiuliano said he was very happy to hear about the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School recognition. 

“Our goal has been to make the two-year Hampden Meadows experience memorable and one that prepares our students for middle school and beyond,” Sangiuliano said. “Earning this recognition means that we are doing just that. Now the challenge becomes to maintain and build upon what we have started.”

Sangiuliano offered his opinion about what makes Hampden Meadows such a special school. 

“As a learning community, Hampden Meadows has aligned with the overall vision of a high school graduate.  Our staff and students are committed to developing and demonstrating the six deep learning competencies:  character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. This takes a dedicated and hard-working staff and support from our stakeholders, both of which we are very fortunate to have,” Sangiuliano said.

With this recognition, Hampden Meadows School becomes the third school in Barrington to be named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, following Sowams School’s award in 2023 and Primrose Hill School's award in 2022. 

This award brings Hampden Meadows School, Sowams School and Primrose Hill one step closer to joining Nayatt School, Barrington Middle School, and Barrington High School as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“This recognition by Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence affirms the commitment of our Hampden Meadows School teachers, staff, and principal who have worked diligently to meet the diverse learning needs of students and create a safe and welcoming school environment,” stated a press release from Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore. 

Principal Sangiuliano will be presented with the Lighthouse School award during the Blue Ribbon Schools Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 5. This designation lasts five years, at which point Hampden Meadows School will become eligible for renewal of the BRSE Lighthouse School recognition. As a Lighthouse School, Hampden Meadows School will also commit to sharing expertise and practices with local and national peers and providing mentorship to schools seeking assistance in school improvement initiatives.