By Mark Gregory
Editorial Director
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglemewspapers.com
When the U.S. Department of Education announced its National Blue Ribbon Schools programs, a pair of local elementary schools were on the list.
Morton Grove’s Hynes Elementary School, part of Golf School District 67 and George Washington Elementary School in Park Ridge Community Consolidated School 64 were among the 24 Illinois schools to pick up the honor.
Both schools were selected as exemplary high performing schools, which according to the Department of Education, means “the achievement of the school’s students in the most recent year tested places the school in the top 15 percent in the nation in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics as measured by a nationally normed test or in the top 15 percent of its state as measured by a state test. If a non-public school administers both state tests and nationally normed tests, the school must be in the top 15 percent in both.”
“The teachers, students, administrators and parents at these schools should be very proud of achieving this remarkable honor,” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said in a statement recognizing the 24 Illinois schools. “It’s great to see among the honorees both public and private places of learning located in small towns, urban areas and large cities across Illinois. Each school on this list is a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.”
Hynes is an elementary school of 364 students.
“We are deeply honored and proud that Hynes Elementary School has received this recognition for being an exemplary high performing school. This award is a true testament to our dedicated teachers and support staff, our talented students, and supportive families,” said Golf School District 67 Superintendent Beth Flores, Ed.D. “We have high expectations and have worked hard as a school community to implement an ambitious curriculum so that all students perform to their highest potential.”
The award is not only for those that attend or work at Hynes.
“We are thrilled that Hynes has received the Blue Ribbon award for being an exemplary high-performing school,” said principal Carol Westley. “We are so grateful for the hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence shared by all members of the Golf School District 67 community.”
George Washington nearly doubles the size of Hynes, servicing 651 students.
“We are simply delighted that Washington has been awarded this honor for its commitment to student achievement, and congratulate our talented students, engaged staff, and supportive families for their dedication to learning and student success,” according to District 64 Superintendent Laurie Heinz. “We are very proud that Washington is leading the way within D64 as we see the positive impact that our 2020 Vision Strategic Plan is having on students across our schools
“Our comprehensive effort allows every child the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, through a rigorous core curriculum and a strong fine arts and physical education program. We also provide additional supports for students along the learning continuum and customized professional development to keep growing our teachers. We encourage student engagement through the use of technology as part of our future-ready 21st century learning initiative, too.”
Washington is the first District 64 school to be recognized in the current program. The school was nominated by the Illinois State Board of Education after meeting stringent performance requirements as an “exemplary high performing” school.
“Many of our 650 students are the children ‑ and even grandchildren – of Washington School alumni, so our school traditions are deeply rooted and widely celebrated,” said Principal Stephanie Daly. “We enjoy an enthusiastic partnership with parents. Our families are proud collaborators that work with us to foster a successful elementary learning experience. We believe our school-wide focus on social-emotional learning activities for students and adults, as well as the use of formative assessments and implementing a SMART goal-setting process, have been very strong components of our success. Our goal is to give students more ownership of their learning and increased voice in creating an action plan for their growth.”
Washington School is planning a school-wide celebration in November. Members of the D64 Board of Education will congratulate Washington students, staff and families for its 2018 Blue Ribbon achievement at the Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 Board of Education meeting.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year with nominations invited from the top education official in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools.
Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. Education Secretary Betsy and the Department of Education will celebrate with all honorees at an awards ceremony Nov. 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.