Freedom Shores Elementary School in Boynton Beach has won the Florida Power Library School Award, which highlights schools with a collaborative approach to improving student achievement.

It is the only school to receive the renewal designation for this award in Palm Beach County.

Based on a Colorado program, the award recognizes schools with libraries that meet specific guidelines for developing or having high performance library media programs.

"We are proud to announce that Freedom Shores was among 11 schools who qualified to have their Florida Power Library Award renewed," said K-12 curriculum director Liz Perlman.

"Congratulations to Michelle Cates, media specialist, Valerie Haines, former principal and Patricia Trejo, current principal. To win the award once and then achieve the renewal speaks to the strength of the program at the school and Michelle's collaboration with the teachers. She's had to achieve the same level of excellence twice in a row. This is a significant accomplishment," said library media services specialist Hollyanne Ruffner.

"Michelle maintains a high level of excellence with the program and collaborates effectively with the teachers in the school."

Launched in the fall of 2008 by the Florida Association for Media in Education and the Florida Department of Education's Library Media Services, the statewide recognition is awarded to schools that involve faculty members in developing and implementing outstanding library media programs focused on student achievement.

Florida Power Library Schools are identified through a competitive application process and must meet certain criteria.

During the three-year award period, FPLS faculty members commit to increasing collaborative teaching and learning, developing an action plan for continued improvement and professional growth and to mentoring other schools in their district and/or region.

Benefits to students include being part of a school culture that emphasizes information and communication technologies.

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Freedom Shores Elementary wins Florida Power Library School Award