Bugg Elementary named nation's best magnet school


Bugg principal Mary Page offers thanks after receiving Simpson Award.

Bugg Elementary principal Mary Page holds the Simpson Award. From left to right are Here are music teacher Lorie McClellan, Page, teacher Christy Elder, assistant principal Linda Henderson, instructional resource teacher Julie Cutler and second grade teacher Myra Lyles.

April 20, 2004 - Bugg Elementary has been named the best magnet school in the nation by Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet school educators.

Bugg Elementary Principal Mary Page was presented the award, known as the Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, at the International Magnet School of America Conference today in Raleigh. Along with the award, the school received a $5,000 honorarium.

Bugg is a creative arts and science magnet school serving more than 420 students in kindergarten to fifth grade. Students are actively involved in learning through the use of A+ Schools Programs, arts, core curriculum, science and technology. Page has served as the school's principal since October 2001.

The Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award is presented annually to commemorate the positive impact that Dr. Simpson made on magnet schools in the United States. The association states that as its second president, Simpson helped "to perpetuate, improve upon, and sell a system of public education that provides the greatest hope to urban children." This award, selected from applications from the country's finest magnet schools, is considered the top award for magnet schools in the nation.

This is the second year in a row a Wake County school has earned the Simpson Award. Last year Washington Elementary earned the award.

The Magnet Schools of America named three Wake County magnet schools 2004 Magnet Schools of Excellence and four WCPSS magnet schools 2004 Magnet Schools of Distinction.

Bugg, Douglas and Washington elementary schools were among 12 magnet schools in the U.S. named 2004 Magnet Schools of Excellence. Combs Elementary, Farmington Woods Elementary, Martin Middle, and Ligon Middle were among 40 schools in the U.S, named 2004 Magnet Schools of Distinction.

More than 1,000 educators from across the U.S. are attending the national conference hosted by the Wake County Public School System this year.

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